Student enrollment at Mountain Gateway Community College is up nearly 8 percent during the fall semester compared with the previous academic year, continuing a strong upward trend that has seen enrollment grow by almost 12 percent over the past two years.
“We are extremely proud of this increase,” said Dr. John Rainone, MGCC president. “With the addition of new programs on our main campus and at our new Buena Vista facility, MGCC continues to meet the region’s workforce needs through high-demand, career-focused programs.”
MGCC’s Wilson Workforce Training Center opened in the former Courtesy Motors building in downtown Buena Vista at the beginning of the fall semester.
MGCC’s sustained growth, according to a spokesperson, “reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, academic excellence and workforce development across the region. MGCC has expanded program offerings, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced student support services – all contributing to the rise in enrollment.”
For more information about enrollment or academic programs, visit mgcc. edu or contact the office of admissions at (540) 863-2820.
Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) experienced a nearly 8% increase in student enrollment for the Fall of 2025 compared to the previous academic year, continuing a strong upward trend that has seen overall enrollment grow by almost 12% over the past two years.
This sustained growth reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, academic excellence, and workforce development across the region. MGCC has expanded program offerings, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced student support services — all contributing to the rise in enrollment.
“We are extremely proud of this increase,” said Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College. “With the addition of new programs on our main campus and at our new Buena Vista facility, MGCC continues to meet the region’s workforce needs through high-demand, careerfocused programs.”
In addition to the programs offered, key factors in the college’s success are the low cost of tuition and its robust financial assistance programs. Mountain Gateway offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and tuition support options to help students pursue their education without financial barriers. Through state and federal aid, institutional scholarships, and workforce funding, the college ensures that cost is not a limiting factor for those seeking to advance their education or career.
MGCC continues to welcome students of all ages and backgrounds, offering flexible learning options and career-focused programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the region and beyond.
For more information about enrollment or academic programs, visit mgcc. edu or contact the Office of Admissions at (540) 863-2820.
ABOUT MGCC: Founded in 1962 and located in the Alleghany Highlands region of Central Virginia, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. Mountain Gateway Community College operates two educational campuses, the Clifton Forge campus and the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. MGCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. The College’s Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Forestry Technology program is accredited by the Society of
