Founded in 1965, Northern Virginia Community College. is a college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 50,835 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.
The Northern Virginia Community College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 25:1. There are 672 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northern Virginia Community College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
100%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
0
SAT Range
ACT Range
Admissions at NVCC are considered , with ,36% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northern Virginia Community College.
9%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
11%
“We save it for the classroom”
45%
“Sometimes, but not often”
39%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
5%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
64%
“I feel extremely safe”
78%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
18%
“We bought the gear”
4%
“We live for the big game”
14%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
39%
“They”re always available”
67%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
27%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
4%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
32%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
47%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
16%
“We only party on weekends”
4%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
32%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
13%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
9%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
11%
“We save it for the classroom”
45%
“Sometimes, but not often”
39%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
5%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
64%
“I feel extremely safe”
78%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
18%
“We bought the gear”
4%
“We live for the big game”
14%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
50%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
4%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
39%
“They”re always available”
67%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
27%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
4%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
106 Students rated on-campus housing 1.6 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
87 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
138 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
140 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
140 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 41 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
137 Students rated school activities 3.5 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
140 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
140 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
Northern Virginia Community College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Northern Virginia Community College?
148 Students rated Northern Virginia Community College
Eden - 10/12/2024
Northern virginia is a very safe and freindly place it is very accommodating and they care about their students. They have partnered up with George Mason to guarantee a spot for you for when you transfer and there are multiple campuses across virginia that allow you to choose your time location and professors more freely. They show great care for mental health and students with disabilities.
Amy - 09/05/2024
I think that NOVA is definitely a good school for those who need to just take a step back and get into a degree program and finish classes much faster in order to save up some time and money in case students would like to transfer, especially with the Guaranteed Admission Agreements(GAA). It just makes things a lot easier.
Ezra Elias - 08/11/2024
Here's the thing. It's community college. It's much better than Community (2009-2015) makes it seem. But it's also not going to have on-campus housing, or much in the way of food. But that's not why you're going to this school. Let's be honest with ourselves.
You're going to this school to save money, or for the guaranteed admissions program, or because you're going back to school and want another AA or AS degree, or because you're only taking a couple classes for fun. And that's fantastic!
I loved my time at NOVA. I loved the flexibility of my classes (online classes for the win!) and the understanding nature of my professors. When I graduated, 99% of us grads had worked jobs while doing school. I was able to take fewer classes per semester so that I could work and save money in the meantime, without having to jump through hoops. NOVA understands that you have a life outside of academia. It understands your life is busy and hectic and sometimes you really can't do 16 credit hours per semester. And it accommodates that. I had a great time. I wish I could've earned my Bachelor's degree there.
Grace - 03/21/2024
There are plenty of people out there who badmouth community college. They say it's the last resort for the lazy, underachieving students who weren't good enough to get in anywhere else. My opinion is that attending community college is the smartest decision a person can make.
When I was 18 and fresh out of high school, I immediately went to a four-year institution, majoring in something I was good at but had no real passion for. By the end of the year I had wasted an extraordinary amount of money on a program I didn't care about and I knew I needed a change. That's when I transferred to Northern Virginia Community College. NOVA gave me the chance to explore my interests closer to home and with affordable costs, until I finally found my calling and began majoring in psychology.
Northern Virginia Community College offers an easy, accessible pathway to transfer to George Mason University after graduation, and opens the doors to transfer opportunities to any 4-year institution as well. They offer a vast amount of online classes that help improve work/home balance. Additionally, there are multiple in-person campuses around Northern Virginia that include bookstores, dining, and places to study.
I wish I had gone to community college first before feeling pressured to attend a 4-year college straight out of high school. I would recommend community college to anyone looking to figure out their passion while using their resources wisely. Northern Virginia Community College has given me the education and experience I need to keep pursuing my goals.
Stephen - 11/11/2023
I believe that Northern Virginia Community College is an excellent institution that provides a broad range of academic opportunities and services to students from diverse backgrounds and with varied goals. The college has an open-door admission policy, meaning that anyone over 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent can apply. Moreover, NOVA offers financial aid, scholarships, advising, tutoring, career services, and other resources to help students succeed. I think that NOVA is a great option for anyone seeking affordable higher education with a flexible schedule. At NOVA, students can benefit from a diverse and inclusive community where they can learn from both their peers and experienced, dedicated faculty. Additionally, NOVA has a strong connection to the local and regional economy, providing students with access to internships, jobs, and networking opportunities. I believe that Northern Virginia Community College is an excellent institution that provides a broad range of academic opportunities and services to students from diverse backgrounds and with varied goals. The college has an open-door admission policy, meaning that anyone over 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent can apply. Moreover, NOVA offers financial aid, scholarships, advising, tutoring, career services, and other resources to help students succeed. I think that NOVA is a great option for anyone seeking affordable higher education with a flexible schedule. At NOVA, students can benefit from a diverse and inclusive community where they can learn from both their peers and experienced, dedicated faculty. Additionally, NOVA has a strong connection to the local and regional economy, providing students with access to internships, jobs, and networking opportunities.
Jonathan - 12/23/2022
As someone who enrolled at NOVA initially over 5 years ago, without a desire to learn and without a mindset that I was going to succeed, and someone who prepared themselves mentally to re-enroll to NOVA, with a burning desire to succeed, NOVA truly is what you make of it! If you sign up for your classes last second and you don't take advantage of the resources NOVA makes available when you are OUT of the classroom, you will falter and blame NOVA for it (at least that is what I observe). However, if you sign up for your classes early, use the tutoring center, communicate with your professors frequently... you will succeed and you will LOVE your time at NOVA and the various professors and staff members that work at NOVA. Every teacher I have met at NOVA (potentially because I sign up for my classes EARLY) truly cares about seeing their students succeed. You just have to be prepared to do your part. Of course, this is a community college. There isn't a major emphasis on extracurriculars or social events, but that should not matter. We, as students, are there to learn and if you attend NOVA with that mindset, you will be extremely happy at your decision, especially when you take into account how much money you can save!
Lydia - 08/19/2022
I am glad that I went to NOVA because i saved a ton of money going there. It’s like a bridge going onto a 4 year college. It helps to prepare you for the bigger field, which is a 4 year college. NOVA is great for those who want to continue a higher education but are probably not sure of what they should do at the moment. It is a great place to pick yourself up if you did not do well in high school. Most importantly, you save so much money going to NOVA.
Emmanuel - 06/17/2022
I love the school I attend. I have had a number of great professors that have added to the excitement of being enrolled here. I say this from the heart as a person who dreaded the idea of going to college in the first place. My expectations have been exceeded ONLY due to the new beautiful UI that has been implemented to NOVA's system. Everything is very easy to access and I feel as if the timing was right on par with my enrollment. It's as if this is the exact time I was meant to go here. Work hard and participate, remember that your success in life is up to you and no one else. DO THE WORK. If you are in a cram mode, set aside the important terms and topics for study when you get the time. DO NOT FALTER. You'll be just fine.
carmen - 01/07/2022
Pretty easy going affordable school. The teacher and advisors are easy to talk to and they are always available to help. Solving issues is pretty easy and they are very patient with freshman’s. The campus is easy to get around too. Everyone there is pretty nice.
Adelina - 08/29/2021
Northern Virginia Community College has variety of clubs and student life activities it is so diverse which is one main reason why I love the school. Northern Virginia Community College has many campuses around the NOVA area, and it is one of the top main community colleges out there. So it was a smart decision for me to attend Northern Virginia Community College to save and get the feel of what college looks like.
Shahir - 06/24/2021
Some of their professors act like they are smart-alecks and pretty much teach political bias instead of social studies or even other subjects. Otherwise, with a little planning and strategy after fall 2020 semester, I get the best professors (well, most of the time).
Alexandra - 05/28/2021
It is an amazing community college. They offer affordable education for your first 2 years before transferring out. Their programs are easy to follow and they have many campuses around Northern Virginia. They also have great transfer programs which allow you guaranteed admission into universities in Virginia.
Makayla - 10/23/2020
My opinion on northern Virginia community college is that it’s a great place to learn and save money before transferring to a big university. The counselors and most teachers care about your well being. I would recommend nova to many people, they support your decisions whether it’s to transfer or complete an associate degree with that college.
Rikki - 06/16/2020
With my experience at NVCC, it has been extremely pleasant. The teachers are polite and other students are respectful! The campus is absolutely beautiful and I find myself on my break just sitting on the bench and reading a book. If not a book, definitely working on some classwork or munching on some food!
Joel - 05/20/2020
I think that my college, Northern Virginia Community College, is a pretty good school. It's because the teachers and staff are overall reliable. It's also because of the class sizes. To be specific, it's perfectly sized. Not too big for my voice to be drowned out and not too small for discussion to be limited.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northern Virginia Community College is 100%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Find a good group of friends that are studying the same thing you are. They will be your life line, study partners and best friends most likely for life! Also in college you eat alot! you eat while studying, while in a lecture and while hanging out with friends. Make sure to pick good snacks! : )
The students at my school vary from kids coming out of high school to adults and single parents like myself coming back to school after many years to finish their degree. It is amazing and fun to see how the different generations interact and learn from each other when paired in groups to learn and work together. There are many types of people on campus. People of all genders, races, and religions and I think everyone does a good job of getting along. I have not once seen or heard of a fight on campus.
This college is very convenient with having many campuses at various locations, for people to access. It is also very good with it's ELI courses and it's commitment to allowing people to take tests from home if needed. The professors there are very knowledgeable and good in their ways of teaching. They make it interesting which helps a person learn. There are also tutors on campus free of charge which is amazing. The bookstores are on site and always stocked with everything you could want or need for classes. They have cafes, and cafeterias for lunch times. The scenery is pleasant to look at with many places to sit and study on a nice spring day. Overall the only bad thing I would have to say about this college is the parking prices and the long walks to the different buildings from the parking lots, but hey what colleges doesn't have long walks? It's a great school!
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
There really is no stereotype at our school. Kids there face the same challenges as the rest which is figuring out ways to pay for their tuition and their books. From what I have seen we all have a common goal and that is to graduate and continue on to a four year university. So if I had to say something our stereotype would be we all have the same goals and are goal hungry for success and striving for excellence in our studies and yes that would be accurate.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Norther Virginia community college is a school which offers a challenging and quality education, which far exceeded my expectations of a community college.
The academics are really interesting, because there are the usual general education classes, but they also have a budding film program that has quality equipment. NOVA is in an interesting transition and I can't wait to see where it goes.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The most popular activity on campus is the unoffical gaming club. They are kind of mean to anyone who isn't one of them and they take up a lot of space in the cafeteria. Other than that there are a few clubs like theatre, who have enough funding and participants who put on plays. There is also the film program that has plenty of people who want to be behind the camera, but not many good enough or willing to be in front. Go figure.
Someone who likes small classes and a chill enviornment where you can be yourself and you don't have to go out of your way to do friends. This is also an inexpensive school and will give a lot of personalized attention.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
A chance to grow academically, socially and internally. You learn from the education oppertunities and social interactions. In the end you discover who you are as a student and an individual so that you may take the next step towards your future.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
There is very little to actually brag about with regard to the community college, but the most positive thing to brag about would be the inexpensive tuition costs associated with the college. I don't really brag though, I go to school, get my grades, and enjoy learning -- bragging is not my style.
My classes are very challenging. However, nothing in this world is easy so to earn a degree, you have to go through challenges to get to your prize, which is graduation/degree.
I chose NVCC because I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I have a good idea, but I felt it was more important to get my core classes under my belt and work on a good GPA while making a decision.
The professors here at Northern Virginia Community college are very nice as long as you turn in your assignments on time you will be in good terms with them and for better opportunities.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
A school like NOVA, I think, can really surprise you. People are here because of many different life situations. A lot of people are very smart, and there are opportunities for those people to thrive, like in Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors society.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
57% of students attending Northern Virginia Community College receive some sort of financial aid.
41% were awarded federal grants.21%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.