Campus Identity
Mountain Empire Community College is a public community college in Big Stone Gap, VA. Cherokee Lake is about 23 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Mountain Empire Community College is a public community college in Big Stone Gap, VA. Cherokee Lake is about 23 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 100/100 (Very Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Mountain Empire Community College is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school. The campus is 67 miles from Beech Mountain Resort.
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Warm Climate
49°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Mountain Empire Community College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Beech Mountain Resort, 67 miles away with 8 lifts and 95 skiable acres. All are within 71 miles of campus.
North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina
Nearby Lake
Cherokee Lake is 23 miles from campus, giving Mountain Empire Community College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Cherokee Lake
Lake access within 22.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Big Stone Gap, VA
Big Stone Gap has a cool climate, with winters averaging 34°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: BIG STONE GAP · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Mountain Empire Community College in VA earns a composite safety score of 100/100, rated Very Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,007 | $11,445 |
| Fees | $90 | $795 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $5,097 | $12,240 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
42 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mountain Empire Community College located?
Mountain Empire Community College is located in Big Stone Gap, VA. The main campus address is 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. It is a public institution offering 2-year associate degree programs.
How much does it cost to attend Mountain Empire Community College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Mountain Empire Community College charges $5,007/year for in-state students and $11,445/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board, the total estimated cost is approximately $10,713/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $8,852/year — what students actually pay. Use Mountain Empire Community College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Is Mountain Empire Community College the right fit for me?
Whether Mountain Empire Community College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions requirements, avg net price ($8,852/year after aid), campus culture in Big Stone Gap, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Mountain Empire Community College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Mountain Empire Community College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Big Stone Gap, VA
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Certificates
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 49°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 100/100
- Nearest Airport
- Blountville, TN (TRI) · 33 mialso LOZ (75 mi), BLF (91 mi)
Location
Big Stone Gap, VA