Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $53,557
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 30:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $69,757 | $20,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,903 | $16,278 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,657 | $12,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $54,778 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,733 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $41,296 | $10,850 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,489 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $38,829 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $34,530 | $13,985 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 |
Outcomes Overview
NOVA graduates earn a median of $53,557 within ten years, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 20% with typical borrowing of $11,000. Monthly loan payments of $117 represent only 2.6% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 89.2% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Washington DC metro area's robust economy. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and government contracting that dominate Northern Virginia's job market. With in-state tuition under $6,000 and relatively low debt loads, NOVA delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students and transfer candidates alike.