Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Mountain Empire Community College
Set against the mountains, Mountain Empire Community College is known for a practical, teach-first approach. Students get steady transfer preparation and hands-on career training in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, plus a grounding in the arts and humanities. Campus resources include up-to-date labs, a welcoming library, and spaces for tutoring, advising, and counseling. The vibe is close-knit and down-to-earth, and first-gen and adult learners fit right in.
Student life is active without the fuss: clubs, service projects, and casual arts events, with nearby trails and rivers when you need a breath. Career services connect students to internships, clinicals, and apprenticeships with regional employers and help sharpen résumés. The college links naturally with Big Stone Gap's festivals and music, giving students real community ties. And the Home Craft Days tradition on campus celebrates Appalachian heritage in a warm, welcoming way.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) offers 32 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 834 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 251 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 240 graduates), Eng. Technologies (7 programs, 106 graduates), Production (1 programs, 51 graduates) and Business (3 programs, 37 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (9 programs, 251 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions | 91 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0999 |
| Registered Nursing | 42 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 34 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.3901 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 21 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1004 |
| Health Information Technology | 18 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0707 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 16 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Health and Medical Administration | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.0799 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0908 |
| Dental Assisting | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0601 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 240 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 126 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 114 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
24.0199 |
Eng. Technologies (7 programs, 106 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Control Technologies | 39 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0599 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 32 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0303 |
| Industrial Production Technologies | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15.0699 |
| CAD and CADD Drafting and Design Technology | 7 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1302 |
| Industrial Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0612 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0613 |
| Mining Technology | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0901 |
Production (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 51 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Business (3 programs, 37 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 23 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0299 |
| Business Operations Support | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0499 |
| Real Estate | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1501 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology | 26 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
47.0201 |
| Solar Energy System Installation and Repair Technology | 10 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0703 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 34 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 26 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0103 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation | 23 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
03.0101 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 19 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 19 |
|
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 14 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0101 |
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 Mountain Empire Community College (MECC)
How much does it cost to attend Mountain Empire Community College (MECC)?
The annual tuition at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is $4,863 for in-state students and $10,866 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $6,363 for in-state students and $12,366 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $4,500 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Mountain Empire Community College offer?
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) offers 32 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (7 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Mountain Empire Community College?
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) provides financial aid to 13% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,317 and average loans of $5,000.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,132
- State/Local grants: $1,403
- Institutional grants: $2,192
The university supports 224 students with grants and 1 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 Mountain Empire Community College graduates?
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) graduates earn a median salary of $30,368 after 6 years and $32,622 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,506 (25th percentile) to $47,785 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $54,900 (90th 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.
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