At $6,307/yr net price, Mountain Gateway Community College graduates earn $34,293/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $293/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,307 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,293/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$293/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 86.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,182 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,101/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,422/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,865/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,972/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 | $51,035 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,829 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 |
The Risk Factor
45.7% of students at Mountain Gateway 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 Gateway Community College delivers solid returns for specific career-focused programs but falls short for general studies students. At $6,307 annually, your upfront costs stay manageable, but the 45% graduation rate means over half of students leave without completing their degree.
The nursing programs represent your strongest financial bet. Registered nursing graduates earn $51,035 annually, creating a clear pathway to middle-class earnings in rural Virginia's healthcare market. Practical nursing also pays well at $38,829, both significantly outpacing the school's overall median of $34,293. Precision metal working offers another viable option at $38,289, likely serving the region's manufacturing sector.
Liberal arts graduates face poor prospects, earning just $24,035 after 10 years. Criminal justice falls in the middle at $28,598, but this represents weak returns given Virginia's competitive law enforcement market. If you're considering these programs, you should look at four-year options that provide better career advancement.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the graduation rate. Nearly 55% of students accumulate debt without earning credentials, making program completion critical for any positive return. The median debt load of $9,182 stays reasonable for nursing and technical graduates but becomes problematic if you don't finish or choose lower-paying majors.
Mountain Gateway works best for career-changers entering healthcare or students seeking affordable technical training in metalworking. The low percentage receiving financial aid suggests most students pay the stated price. If you're undecided about your major or considering liberal arts, your money delivers better value at Virginia's four-year public universities where broader degree options create more career flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mountain Gateway Community College worth the cost?
Mountain Gateway Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $6,307 annually and modest debt levels around $9,000. However, the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $34,000 ten years later are below national averages.
What are the highest paying programs at Mountain Gateway Community College?
Nursing programs at Mountain Gateway Community College provide the best return, with registered nursing graduates earning around $51,000 and practical nursing graduates earning $39,000. Liberal arts and criminal justice programs lead to much lower earnings around $24,000-$29,000.
How much debt do Mountain Gateway Community College graduates have?
Mountain Gateway Community College graduates typically leave with $9,182 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt burden helps offset the modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Mountain Gateway Community College?
Only 46% of students graduate from Mountain Gateway Community College, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.