Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, VA

Total Enrollment

3,636

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

26

26 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,328

3,636 part-time

Total FTE

1,307

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,636
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 26
High diversity
~140 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Mountain Empire Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,636 students across 26 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Mountain Empire Community College serves 3,636 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 26 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,328 (47.8%)
47.8%
Part-Time Students 3,636 (52.2%)
52.2%
Total Students 6,964

Majority part-time students (52.2%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (91.5%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
62.1%
2,258 students
Men
37.9%
1,378 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
91.9%
3,340 students
White
91.9% (3,340)
Hispanic/Latino
2.3% (84)
Two or More Races
2.2% (79)
Black/African American
2.1% (76)
Asian
0.4% (15)
International Students
0.2% (8)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (62%) across 3,636 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 92% of the student body (3,340 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 62% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

6,964 students

40% Men, 60% Women
3,328 Full-time
Diversity Index: 15% • Minority Students: 5%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

928
All full-time students
391 men, 537 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Undergraduate

928
Full-time undergraduate
391 men, 537 women
Diversity: 15%

FT Degree-Seeking

736
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
329 men, 407 women
Diversity: 14%

FT First-Time

297
Full-time first-time students
160 men, 137 women
Diversity: 11%

FT Continuing

439
Full-time continuing students
169 men, 270 women
Diversity: 15%

Part-Time Students

All Students

2,015
All students total
786 men, 1,229 women
Diversity: 15%

Transfer

37
Transfer-in students
15 men, 22 women
Diversity: 20%

Continuing

809
Continuing students
269 men, 540 women
Diversity: 17%

Non-Degree

775
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
308 men, 467 women
Diversity: 15%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

6,416
White
136
Black/African American
160
Hispanic/Latino
27
Asian
8
International
Diversity Index: 15% Minority Students: 5%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Mountain Empire Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,636 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (91.5%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 1,307 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 49% taking some online courses.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

3441 Mountain Empire Road

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials