Big Stone Gap, VA · Private University
Is Mountain Empire Community College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$32,622
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$4,863
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,866
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$43,464
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.00x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Avg Net Price
$7,226
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Mountain Empire Community College graduates earn $12,378 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Mountain Empire Community College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $32,622 10 years after starting, $12,378 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $4,863/year, significantly less than the $10,866 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.