- Mountain Empire Community College is a two-year college serving residents of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson counties, as well as the City of Norton. The College, one of twenty-three in the Virginia Community College System, operates under policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Local Advisory Board. The College is financed primarily with state funds supplemented by contributions from the participating localities.
School Highlights
Mountain Empire Community College serves 2,116 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is lower than the state community college average of 37:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 55%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,116 students
- In-state tuition: $3,336
- Out-state tuition: $8,006
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
- Minority enrollment: 8%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Mountain Empire Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 93 teachers has declined by 45% over five years.
Mountain Empire Community College
(VA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
4
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
93 staff
39 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
26
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Mountain Empire Community College has declined by 6% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Mountain Empire Community College diversity score of 0.15 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 155% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,116 students
1,380 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
37:1
# Full-Time Students
912 students
585 students
# Part-Time Students
1,204 students
795 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
141 students
30 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
912 students
415 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
264 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,204 students
795 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
20 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
8%
% Hispanic
2%
14%
% Black
2%
22%
% White
92%
45%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.15
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$27,300
$29,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,336 is less than the state average of $3,581. The in-state tuition has declined by 29% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,006 is less than the state average of $8,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 25% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,336
$3,581
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,006
$8,577
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
86%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
96%
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- In 1966, the Virginia Assembly enacted historic legislation establishing a statewide system of comprehensive community colleges. This legislation brought most post high school education below the bachelor's level into one system, and broadened the base of higher education in the state to such an extent that Virginia, for the first time in the twentieth century, took a major step toward democratizing higher education. As comprehensive institutions, the community colleges endeavor to serve all segments of society. In August 1971, Dr. George B. Vaughan was named president of Mountain Empire community College and groundbreaking ceremonies were held in October of that same year. The first classes were offered in the fall of 1972. The college provides a comprehensive program of student development services. The college offers occupational-technical education, transfer education, developmental studies, general education, continuing and distance education, workforce development, and community services. Mountain Empire Community College is located on 95 wooded acres. The college buildings includes Holton Hall, Godwin Hall, industrial technology building, Dalton-Cantrell Hall and Robb Hall. Mountain Empire Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mountain Empire Community College cost?
Mountain Empire Community College's tuition is approximately $3,336 for In-State students and $8,006 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Mountain Empire Community College?
The acceptance rate of Mountain Empire Community College is 96%, which is higher than the state average of 75%.
What is Mountain Empire Community College's ranking?
Mountain Empire Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Virginia for: Least expensive tuition.
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