At $7,226/yr net price, Mountain Empire Community College graduates earn $32,622/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,226 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,904 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,622/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,378/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,015/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,027/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,008/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,686/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Mountain Empire Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Mountain Empire Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused students, particularly in healthcare programs. With a net price around $7,200 annually, the school positions you well financially compared to four-year alternatives.
The registered nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $50,000 annually. This represents a strong return given the program's relatively low cost and high demand for nurses in rural Virginia. Allied health diagnostic programs and industrial production technology also show respectable earnings in the $35,000-36,000 range.
Business support programs present weaker returns at just over $20,000 annually, barely above what you might earn without a degree. You should carefully consider whether these programs justify the time and cost investment.
The school's 53% graduation rate creates significant risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning no degree and potential debt. This rate is particularly concerning for programs with longer completion times.
Mountain Empire works best for students committed to healthcare careers or technical fields with clear job pathways in Southwest Virginia. The regional job market supports these programs well. You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or plan to work in major metropolitan areas where this school's name recognition may be limited.
With over 40% of students receiving financial aid, most students qualify for assistance. The low sticker price means even without aid, costs remain manageable compared to four-year schools. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return and minimize opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mountain Empire Community College worth the cost?
Mountain Empire Community College offers good value at $7,226 per year, especially for nursing programs that lead to $50,000+ salaries. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which increases the risk of debt without a degree.
What are the highest paying programs at Mountain Empire Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Mountain Empire Community College produce the highest returns, with graduates earning around $50,000 annually. Allied health and industrial technology programs also pay well at $35,000-36,000, while business support roles average only $20,800.
How much debt do Mountain Empire Community College graduates have?
At $7,226 per year, Mountain Empire Community College is affordable compared to four-year schools. Students who complete nursing or allied health programs typically see positive returns, but those in lower-paying business programs may struggle with even modest debt levels.
What is the job market like for Mountain Empire Community College graduates?
Mountain Empire Community College graduates in healthcare fields have strong job prospects in rural Virginia, where medical professionals are needed. Industrial and technical program graduates also find work, but business program graduates face limited opportunities in the local economy.