About Northern Virginia Community College
Since 1964, Northern Virginia Community College has offered a quality and convenient educational experience at an affordable price. NOVA is the largest public educational institution in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the United States. Located near Washington, D.C., the College includes six campuses — Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, MEC (Springfield), and Woodbridge; along with Reston Educational Center and ELI.
NOVA offers associate degrees and certificate programs. Students can complete an entire degree or certificate through online learning as well. NOVA Online has been offering distance learning opportunities for 40 years. There are online learning opportunities in more than 50 academic disciplines and more than 30 degrees and certificates can be completed online.
Accreditation & Licensing
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Associate's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 73,320 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 32% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
33%Transfer Rate:
16%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$53,557Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$11,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
25%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,952Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Northern Virginia Community College
All Programs
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Math & Science
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
NOVA works well as a transfer-first starting point with a practical timeline. It is built for completing early credits, then moving on, and that structure helps keep progress visible term by term. Re-entry can also be smooth: applying, registering, and getting into classes can feel manageable even after a long break from school.
Cost is a central strength here. Many learners use NOVA to “save a lot of money” by doing first two years at NOVA before transfer. The school’s online, hybrid, and in-person options also help protect time to completion when work or family schedules shift. The main pacing pressure is course access in some terms, which can affect how quickly required classes are finished.
At NOVA, help is easy to find when classes get hard. Professors are often open to questions and extra support. Many classes make office hours clear, so students know when to get help.
Support goes beyond class time. Office hours and tutoring give students real, practical help. The tutoring center is a useful place to work through tough material with guidance.
Getting started can also feel manageable. The application and registration steps are often clear, including for adults returning to school. While the experience can vary by class section, NOVA offers several ways to get support when students need it.
NOVA gives students clear ways to take classes. You can choose online, hybrid, or in person. That flexibility helps when work hours shift. It also helps parents keep school moving at a steady pace.
Getting started feels straightforward. The application process is simple, and class sign-up is easy to follow. Online classes are a core part of how NOVA teaches, not an add-on.
NOVA is a strong fit for adults who need control over their time. If you need a plan that works with real life, NOVA offers practical options.
At NOVA, classes are often taught by friendly, easy-to-reach professors. Lessons are clear and practical. Instructors usually welcome questions and help students work through tough topics. The focus stays on learning the material, not just finishing assignments.
The pace works well for students planning to transfer. Many use NOVA to build core credits and keep steady progress toward a degree. Course quality can vary by section, but the overall experience is solid. Students can expect clear teaching, accessible faculty, and support that helps them stay on track.
NOVA is a practical school for transfer planning. Cost savings are a major draw. Many complete early coursework here, then transfer. The school also offers online, hybrid, and in-person options.
That helps people keep classes going through schedule changes. Faculty support is often a plus. Professors are open to questions and help. Office hours and tutoring add backup when work gets hard.
Application and registration can feel manageable, even after time away. The experience can vary by course section. Some classes are stronger than others. Day-to-day operations can also frustrate students at times. Overall, NOVA is a good fit for cost-focused students who need flexible attendance and a clear transfer path.
NOVA is a practical school for transfer planning. Cost savings are a major draw. Many complete early coursework here, then transfer. The school also offers online, hybrid, and in-person options.
That helps people keep classes going through schedule changes. Faculty support is often a plus. Professors are open to questions and help. Office hours and tutoring add backup when work gets hard.
Application and registration can feel manageable, even after time away. The experience can vary by course section. Some classes are stronger than others. Day-to-day operations can also frustrate students at times. Overall, NOVA is a good fit for cost-focused students who need flexible attendance and a clear transfer path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Virginia Community College
Is Northern Virginia Community College accredited?
Yes. Northern Virginia Community College is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Northern Virginia Community College offer?
Northern Virginia Community College offers 22 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Northern Virginia Community College offer?
Northern Virginia Community College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Northern Virginia Community College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Northern Virginia Community College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Northern Virginia Community College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Northern Virginia Community College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Northern Virginia Community College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Northern Virginia Community College military friendly?
Northern Virginia Community College does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Northern Virginia Community College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Northern Virginia Community College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Northern Virginia Community College accept life experience credit?
Northern Virginia Community College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Northern Virginia Community College programs fully online or mixed?
Northern Virginia Community College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Northern Virginia Community College offer?
Northern Virginia Community College has online program options in areas such as Business, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Northern Virginia Community College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACCUPLACER. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Northern Virginia Community College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Northern Virginia Community College programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Northern Virginia Community College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Northern Virginia Community College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Northern Virginia Community College programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Northern Virginia Community College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Northern Virginia Community College is featured in 9 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Northern Virginia Community College is located in Virginia
Virginia at a Glance:
Top Majors in Virginia:
Top Incentives in Virginia:
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $4,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Virginia:
- Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
- Certifications: Security+, CISSP