MECC Academic Snapshot
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $5,007
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,445
- Both in-state and out-of-state tuition are relatively affordable compared to national averages.
Student Population at MECC:
- Total Enrollment: 2,116, including 678 online students
- All Undergraduate
- Gender Distribution: 38.7% men, 61.3% women.
- This is a small institution, fostering a close-knit community and individualized attention.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 48%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 5%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 64%. Lower retention, which may reflect challenges in student engagement or support.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 62 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 5 programs available fully online.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's.
MECC Overview
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is a 2-4 year, public school located in Big Stone Gap, VA. It is classified as urban-serving Associate's college by Carnegie Classification
The MECC's tuition & fees is $5,007 for Virginia residents and $11,445 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 55% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $5,738.
The school has a total enrollment of 2,116 and the students to faculty ratio is 22 to 1 (4.55%).
Mountain Empire Community College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Mountain Empire Community College is $5,007 for in-state students and $11,445 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $5,155 for Virginia residents and $12,055 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,007 | $11,445 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,155 | $12,055 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Mountain Empire Community College offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for undergraduate programs.
Special Learning Opportunities at MECC
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | No |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | No |
|---|
| Study Abroad | No |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | No |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
|---|
Mountain Empire Community College Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing MECC