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Colleges / VA / Big Stone Gap
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Mountain Empire Community College

Public Big Stone Gap, VA · Town · Southeast · 73% data reported · Agent Insights
51%
Graduation Rate
$32,622
Earnings (10yr)
$8,852
Net Price
1,282
Enrollment

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Overview

Mountain Empire Community College is a solid choice for students seeking a close-knit environment where they can pursue practical skills and academic growth. With an enrollment of 1,282, it’s perfect for those who thrive in smaller classes and want to connect with their peers and professors. Popular areas of study include Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Mechanic & Repair Tech, all designed to prepare students for in-demand careers.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $32,622 within ten years. This figure gives a glimpse into the potential return on investment for those who choose to study here. Many graduates find employment in their fields, which speaks to the effectiveness of the programs. The affordability of attending Mountain Empire is another plus, making it accessible for a wide range of students, especially those receiving Pell Grants, which make up 43% of the student body.

When considering the practical aspects, the net price after aid is about $8,852, which is manageable for many families. While we don’t have specific data on median debt, students typically benefit from lower costs compared to larger institutions. Those who thrive here are often individuals looking for a hands-on education that leads directly to employment opportunities in their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Mountain Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation51%Earnings 10yr$33KNet Price$9KRetention64%Pell Grant Rate43%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$8K$0-30K$8K$30-48K$11K$48-75K

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%2663.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%510.6%MOBILITY136.00%

Cost & Financial Aid

$5,007
In-State Tuition
$11,445
Out-of-State
$8,852
Avg Net Price
43%
Pell Grant Rate
0%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$8,148
Family Income $0–$30K
$8,064
Family Income $30K–$48K
$10,770
Family Income $48K–$75K

Graduate Outcomes

$30,368
6 Years After Entry
$29,658
8 Years
$32,622
10 Years
34%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$30,368 6yr $29,658 8yr $32,622 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

136.00%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
510.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
2663.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$43,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.6%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 64%
Full-Time Faculty 24%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,595
Diversity Index 0.15
First-Gen Students 57%

Top Programs

Health Professions 30%
Humanities 29%
Precision Production 6%
Business & Marketing 4%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 4%
Criminal Justice 4%
Computer Science & IT 2%
Legal Studies 1%

Quick Facts

Setting Town
Region Southeast
Accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Predominant Degree Certificate

Student Body

Female
56%
White
92%
Hispanic
2%
Black
3%
Asian
0%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →