Monongalia County Technical Education Center

Don’t expect dorm life or football games here. MTEC’s no-frills campus focuses solely on vocational training, with student life revolving around technical clubs like SkillsUSA. The organization blends into the curriculum, offering competitions and networking for high school and adult learners. Reviews suggest a workmanlike atmosphere—more shop floor than quad.

MTEC boasts a 68% graduation rate—high for a vocational school—and reports a median graduate salary of $40,499. While formal job placement rates aren’t published, the narrow program focus (especially nursing and HVAC) aligns with regional labor demands in West Virginia’s healthcare and trades sectors.

At $7,400 annually for in-state students (or $4,915 for in-district), MTEC is a bargain—especially with 58% of students receiving federal grants averaging $6,312. State/local grants cover another 33% of enrollees. The school offers at least seven scholarships, some requiring a 3.0 GPA, but most aid leans need-based. Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators help estimate final costs.

MTEC is West Virginia vocational education distilled to its essence: tiny cohorts, zero gen-ed requirements, and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it program list laser-focused on jobs that exist now. Its 68% graduation rate suggests the model works—especially for nurses and HVAC techs who’ll likely outearn many bachelor’s holders without the debt. Not for the undecided, but a ruthlessly efficient launchpad for the trades.