3441 Mountain Empire Road
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

One of 23 colleges in the Virginia community college System, Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) is located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Serving a student body of more than 4,500 students, MECC offers both liberal arts and career technical programs of study. Academic programs are broken down into five Associate of Arts and Sciences degree programs (approximately one out of every five students graduates with an A.A.S. degree); 18 Associate of Applied Sciences degree programs; and 50 different certificate programs. A large number of MECC students begin their college degrees as high school students taking dual enrollment courses.  Over fifty percent of the students take one or more distance learning courses.

Student success is a high priority at MECC.   Student support services include on-campus and web-based tutoring, career and personal counseling, and developmental (remedial) courses. The TRIO Student Support Services and Talent Search program offer specialized services to first-generation college students, students from low-income households, and those with physical and/or learning disabilities.  Americorps and SIFE are two of the many active student organizations. Over 80% of program enrolled students receive financial assistance.   Through the AIMS Higher Scholarship, Virginia resident students who graduate from high schools in Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson Counties, or the City of Norton and meet the AIMS criteria, receive free tuition at MECC.

MECC's Slemp Gallery hosts local and student exhibits.  An array of cultural programs are provided throughout the year by the regional Pro-Art, MECC Student Services, and the MECC Foundation.  Annually, MECC hosts the Mountain Music School for youth and adults and Home Craft Days, the longest running crafts and music festival in the region.

Quick Facts:

·  In 2007, Mountain Empire Community College added a Funeral Services program of study in conjunction with John Tyler Community College. MECC is now one of three colleges in the state to offer this program.

·  Over 80% of program enrolled students receive financial assistance

·  Forty-seven percent of all students are enrolled in one or more distance education class

·  Mountain Empire Community College gives out a financial to a higher percentage of its students than any other college in the Virginia Community College System.



This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.