At $8,554/yr net price, Northern Virginia Community College graduates earn $53,557/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,557/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,554 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,557/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,557/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,294/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,033/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,405/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,414/yr |
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 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
37.3% of students at Northern Virginia Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northern Virginia Community College delivers solid returns despite a concerning 37% graduation rate. The median 10-year earnings of $53,557 provide reasonable value against the $8,554 annual net price, but only if you actually complete your program.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Dental support services graduates earn nearly $70,000 annually, making the $20,250 debt load worthwhile. Nursing and allied health programs also pay off well, with registered nurses earning over $60,000. These healthcare tracks benefit from Northern Virginia's strong medical sector and aging population. Accounting graduates earn $63,005 with minimal debt, capitalizing on the region's government contracting and corporate presence.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. You could waste time and money without earning credentials that boost your income. The school's location in expensive Northern Virginia means living costs eat into any savings from low tuition.
NOVA works best for focused students entering high-demand fields like healthcare or accounting who can handle the area's cost of living. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or want a traditional college experience. The school also suits working adults seeking specific certifications to advance in government or healthcare careers.
Financial aid reaches only 20% of students, suggesting most pay out of pocket or through employer programs. The median debt of $11,000 stays manageable, but many students likely work while attending, extending time to graduation. Consider your ability to juggle work, studies, and Northern Virginia's traffic when calculating true costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Virginia Community College worth the cost?
Northern Virginia Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $8,554 and median debt of only $11,000. However, the 37% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which reduces the overall return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Northern Virginia Community College?
Dental support services leads with $69,757 in average earnings, followed by accounting ($63,005) and nursing ($60,903). These health and business programs significantly outperform the school's overall average of $53,557.
How much debt do Northern Virginia Community College graduates typically have?
Graduates who borrow have a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost and minimal borrowing make this a financially safer option for most students.
Should I choose Northern Virginia Community College over a four-year university?
If you're pursuing healthcare or business programs and want to minimize debt, Northern Virginia Community College can be a smart financial choice. The low graduation rate is concerning, but successful graduates in top programs see solid returns with minimal financial risk.