Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Mercer County Technical Education Center
Set in the hills of southern West Virginia, Mercer County Technical Education Center is known for hands-on learning that sticks. Students dive into skilled trades, health-related pathways, and tech-focused work in labs and shops that feel like the real thing. Instruction is practical and precise, with clear expectations, safety-first habits, and support like advising, tutoring, and certification prep.
Student life centers on projects, skill showcases, and community work that puts teamwork to the test. Employer visits, job-shadowing, and work-based learning help students build real connections. The culture is close-knit and no-nonsense, yet welcoming. Princeton adds local arts, coffee spots, and easy access to woods and water when you need a breather. A distinguishing trait: many grads leave with contacts and confidence earned by doing.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in West Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
31-9091 | Dental Assistants | $48,860 | $37,430 | -$11,430 (-23.4%) |
51.1009
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist.
(AltPostBac)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $44,390 | $35,730 | -$8,660 (-19.5%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $64,150 | $52,190 | -$11,960 (-18.6%) |
Production (1)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,100 | $57,100 | +$2,000 (+3.6%) |
51-4122 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,270 | $62,050 | +$12,780 (+25.9%) |
Personal Services (1)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Assoc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $36,540 | -$6,920 (-15.9%) |
39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $75,410 | N/A | N/A |
39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,910 | $41,210 | +$4,300 (+11.6%) |
39-5093 | Shampooers | $30,830 | N/A | N/A |
39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $32,950 | -$15,720 (-32.3%) |
Construction (1)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0302
Electrician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
47-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $84,500 | $83,070 | -$1,430 (-1.7%) |
47-2111 | Electricians | $69,630 | $69,500 | -$130 (-0.2%) |
49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $60,040 | $42,030 | -$18,010 (-30%) |
49-9097 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $84,940 | N/A | N/A |
Mechanics (1)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0201
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $62,690 | $46,130 | -$16,560 (-26.4%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC)
What academic programs and degree levels does Mercer County Technical Education Center offer?
Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) offers 10 academic programs across 5 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Residency.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (1 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (1 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (1 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Mercer County Technical Education Center?
Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,252 and average loans of $0.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,933
- State/Local grants: $3,157
The university supports 28 students with grants and 0 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Mercer County Technical Education Center graduates?
Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) graduates earn a median salary of $36,860 after 6 years and $33,511 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,721 (25th percentile) to $45,064 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities


