Mountain Empire Community College vs Purdue University-Main Campus

Big Stone Gap, VA — West Lafayette, IN

Metric
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Location Big Stone Gap, VA West Lafayette, IN
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 1,282 44,503
Acceptance Rate 49.9%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $5,007 $9,992
Out-of-State Tuition $11,445 $28,794
Avg Net Price $8,852 $14,600
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 83.1%
Retention Rate 92.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $30,368 $60,838
Median Earnings (10 yr) $32,622 $72,424
Loan Repayment Rate 887400.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Mountain Empire Community College and Purdue University-Main Campus compare?
Mountain Empire Community College (Big Stone Gap, VA) has no published acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $5,007, and median 10-year earnings of $32,622. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) has an acceptance rate of 49.9%, in-state tuition of $9,992, and median 10-year earnings of $72,424.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Mountain Empire Community College or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $72,424 vs $32,622. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Mountain Empire Community College or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Mountain Empire Community College is the more affordable option at $8,852 per year versus $14,600.

More Comparisons

All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025