Mountain Empire Community College: $4,863 Tuition

$4,863Tuition

1,240Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,622Earnings

#20 in VirginiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Mountain Empire Community College

Mountain Empire Community College serves the coal country of far Southwest Virginia with practical programs that prepare students for local careers. The college enrolls 1,240 students in Big Stone Gap, a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Students here focus on workforce development through programs in nursing, mining technology, and business administration. Nearly 99% of students come from Virginia, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving the regional community.

The financial picture works well for most students. After aid, families earning under $30,000 pay around $7,015 annually for tuition and expenses. Graduates earn a median of $32,622 ten years after starting college. With no federal loan debt reported for students, Mountain Empire offers an affordable path to career training. The 89.9% employment rate shows that local employers value the college's programs.

Women make up 61% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The campus serves a predominantly white population at 92%, reflecting the demographics of rural Appalachian Virginia. With a 53% six-year graduation rate, students here balance education with work and family responsibilities common in small-town settings. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit academic community.

Academics & Faculty

Mountain Empire Community College serves the coal mining region of Southwest Virginia with career-focused programs that match local industry needs. The college offers strong programs in nursing, mining technology, and automotive repair that directly connect to regional employment opportunities. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at larger institutions. The 53% graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face in this economically distressed area. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a predominantly low-income population. The semester system allows students to balance coursework with work and family obligations common in this rural Appalachian community.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,622

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,161
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$36,166
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$35,600
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$30,771
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$20,824
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$20,140
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$19,508
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$15,964

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Big Stone Gap sits in Virginia's far southwestern corner, about three hours from both Knoxville and Roanoke. The town of 5,000 people nestles in Appalachian coal country, where winters demand heavy coats and summers bring humid heat. Women make up 61.45% of the student body at this commuter-focused community college. Nearly 99% of students come from Virginia, mostly from surrounding counties in the coalfields.

Students don't live on campus because Mountain Empire offers no dormitories. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively personal despite the commuter format. Most students work part-time jobs while attending classes, reflecting the region's economic reality. About 41% receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. Weekends typically mean heading home to family rather than campus activities. The college serves as an educational lifeline for first-generation college students in rural Appalachia. Many students pursue nursing, business, or trades programs that connect to local job markets. The mountain setting offers outdoor recreation, but students spend most social time off-campus with family and community ties.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1972

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–44°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.1"
Annual Snowfall: 7.6"

Student Demographics

Mountain Empire draws overwhelmingly from Virginia residents, with 99% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the rural Appalachian region it serves. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges offering strong nursing and healthcare programs. The college serves a largely working-class population, with 41% qualifying for Pell Grants. Students come primarily from the coal mining communities and small towns scattered across Southwest Virginia's mountainous terrain. Most are first-generation college students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career certifications.

Men: 38.6%
Women: 61.5%
White: 91.9%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 2.6%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.5%

Location

Big Stone Gap sits in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, about 120 miles northeast of Knoxville and 180 miles southwest of Lexington. The town of roughly 5,000 residents nestles in a mountain valley where coal mining shaped generations of families. Nearly 99% of Mountain Empire's students come from Virginia, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving local communities across Wise County and surrounding areas. The region's rugged terrain and small-town character define daily life here. Students find themselves in classic Appalachian country, where outdoor recreation meets traditional mountain culture. The campus serves as an educational anchor for families who have worked these mountains for decades. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Mountain Empire Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,622
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,516
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Mountain Empire Community College?

Mountain Empire Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of Virginia's community college system. The school serves 1,240 students with 98.57% coming from in-state, reflecting its mission to provide accessible higher education to the Appalachian region.

How much does Mountain Empire Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,226 annually at Mountain Empire Community College. With 41.49% of students receiving Pell Grants and in-state tuition at $4,863, the college remains one of Virginia's most affordable educational options.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mountain Empire Community College?

Mountain Empire Community College operates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its semester-based programs. The college emphasizes practical career training and transfer preparation, serving the educational needs of Virginia's coal country and surrounding rural communities.

What are the job prospects for Mountain Empire Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.9% employment rate with median earnings of $32,622 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on workforce development and technical training aligns with regional industries in healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

Where is Mountain Empire Community College located?

The college sits in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a small Appalachian town in the state's southwestern tip. This town-distant setting serves students from across the rural region, with the campus reflecting the area's close-knit mountain community character.

Does Mountain Empire Community College have a diverse student body?

The student population is 91.85% white, reflecting the demographics of rural Appalachian Virginia. Women make up 61.45% of the 1,240 enrolled students, which is common among community colleges nationwide where female enrollment typically exceeds male participation.