Overview
Founded in 1965, Northern Virginia Community College was established to provide affordable higher education and workforce training to the rapidly growing Washington D.C. metropolitan region. It has grown into the largest community college in Virginia and one of the largest in the United States, serving a highly diverse student population across multiple campuses. NOVA is best known for its strong transfer partnerships with four-year institutions, particularly George Mason University and the University of Virginia, as well as its robust workforce development and technical training programs.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Annandale, Virginia |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total students | 45,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 38% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $5,200 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $14,900 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $4,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 55% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Business Administration
- Engineering (transfer track)
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.