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 gives you a low-cost path into a high-wage regional job market, and the math mostly works in your favor. You borrow around $11,000 in median debt and earn a $53,557 median a decade out, which is a strong ratio for a two-year school. Sitting next to the D.C. metro labor market helps those earnings hold up.
The health programs are where the payoff is clearest. Dental support and registered nursing both clear $60,000, and nursing does it while keeping median debt under $17,000. Allied health diagnostic programs land near $57,000 with only $12,000 in debt, one of the best cost-to-earnings trades here. The accounting certificate reports $63,005, but read that credential carefully: it's a certificate, not a degree, so weigh it against how much further coursework you'd need.
The real risk at NOVA is finishing at all. Only 37% of students graduate, so the strong earnings numbers describe people who completed. If you enroll, drop the completion problem is what turns this from a good deal into debt with no credential to show for it. Dental support also carries the heaviest debt on this list at $20,250, so run its higher earnings against that load before committing.
On price, your family income matters. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $6,000-$7,000 a year. Above $75,000, net price more than doubles to $13,405, and over $110,000 you pay $15,414 , still cheap for the region, but no longer a bargain.
This school fits you if you want a health credential and will actually finish. If you're unsure you'll complete, or you want a field NOVA doesn't report strong earnings for, look harder before enrolling.
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.