Facts and Figures: Fast Facts

MECC's historical ability to attract students was significant due to the declining population of its service region. In the past two decades, the local population has declined by 9 percent, compared to a 32 percent increase in the Commonwealth's population. In 2003-04, MECC had its largest annualized FTES decline of 8.9%, followed by a 1.7% decline in 2004-05. To obtain increased student growth for the long term, economic improvements will have to be the avenue to better paying, diversified jobs and population growth.

Just the Facts

In April 1970, the Local Board had its first meeting.
In fall 1972, the first classes were offered.

Service Region

• A population of slightly above 100,000* • A median family income slightly more than half of the state average* • Unemployment (5.0%) exceeding the state average (3.5%) reported in 2005 • 62% of the population has a high school education (VA = 82%)* • One out of every 17 residents enroll in credit and non-credit courses at MECC • 61% of local residents attending college in Virginia, attend MECC *Data provided by the U.S. Census

 
MECC Offers  

• 5 majors in Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S) Degree – 22% of enrollment • 18 programs in Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree – 23% of enrollment • 11 certificates, ranging from 31 to 51 credit hours – 9% of enrollment • 39 career studies certificates, 24 to 35 credit hours – 9% of enrollment • 37% are unclassified status; this includes dual-enrollment students

Student Profile for 2005-2006

• 4,227 students (headcount) and 1,843 FTES (full-time equivalent students) • 2,882 student registrations for non-credit training • 36% full-time (12 credit hours or more), and 64% part-time • 47% traditional students (age 21 and under); average student age was 28 years • 63% were female and 37% were male • 3% minority, the approximate percentage of minorities in southwest VA • 52% of all students received financial aid (highest percentage in the VCCS) and • Over 80% of program enrolled students receive financial assistance • 738 high school dual enrollment students (17% of headcount and 13% of FTES) • 47% enrolled in one or more distance education classes (25.8% of FTES) • 358 graduates received a total of 402 degrees and/or certificates