Mental Health Services at Mountain Empire Community College

Big Stone Gap, VA · Public · Certificate · Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 1,240 in Big Stone Gap, VA.

Program Analysis

Mountain Empire Community College's Mental Health Services graduates start at $29,551/yr, trailing the $36,448 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 72.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 30% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Mental Health Services graduates.

Ranked #26 out of 61 programs, Mountain Empire Community College's Mental Health Services offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $29,551 to $34,411 over five years (16% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Mental Health Services, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $29,551/yr (-19% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (70% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$353K
3.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
72.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
17 of 17
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,863
Out-of-state: $10,866
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,411
16% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mental Health Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Genetic counselors $98,910 +9.3% 50%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $95,830 +11.2% 63%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Genetic counselors
$98,910
+9.3% growth 50% AI-proof
Clinical and counseling psychologists
$95,830
+11.2% growth 63% AI-proof

View all 17 career paths with full salary data →

Mental Health Services Career Guide

Explore what Mental Health Services graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 61 programs nationwide.

Read the full Mental Health Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services Overview

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mountain Empire Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Mental Health Services at Mountain Empire Community College?
At 62/100, Mountain Empire Community College's Mental Health Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why are Mental Health Services earnings lower at Mountain Empire Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Mental Health Services graduates?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Mental Health Services occupations, such as Behavioral Health Aide (Existing Title: Counselor) and Certified Drug And Alcohol Counselor. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Mental Health Services graduates?
The career paths mapped to Mental Health Services have roughly 200,600 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →