Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, VA 22003-3796
703-323-3000
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a public community college in the Northern Virginia region of the U.S. state of Virginia. NOVA is the largest community college in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the United States. With over 75,000 students enrolled in credit and non-credit courses each year, NOVA is one of the most populous community colleges in the country. NOVA offers associate degrees, professional certificates, and adult education programs.
NOVA was established in 1964 as the Northern Virginia Vocational Technical School. The school was created in response to the growing need for technical training in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The school initially offered only evening classes, but daytime classes were added in 1966. In 1968, the school was renamed Northern Virginia Community College and began offering associate degrees. In the 1970s, NOVA experienced a period of rapid growth, with enrollment increasing from 5,000 students in 1970 to over 30,000 students by 1980.
NOVA has grown even larger in the years since, with over 75,000 students enrolled in credit and non-credit courses in the 2017-2018 academic year. The college has an annual operating budget of over $300 million and employs over 4,000 faculty and staff members. NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
NOVA has campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, and Woodbridge. The college also operates the Extended Learning Institute, which offers online and evening classes, and the NOVA Workforce Development Center, which provides training for businesses and individuals.
NOVA offers a wide variety of associate degrees and professional certificates. The most popular programs among students are business, health sciences, liberal arts, and education. NOVA also offers a number of adult education programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED preparation.
NOVA is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to its students. In recent years, the college has implemented a number of initiatives to improve student success, including mandatory orientation for all new students, expanded tutoring and advising services, and increased support for students with disabilities. NOVA also offers a number of need-based scholarships and financial aid programs.
NOVA is an important part of the Northern Virginia region and plays a vital role in the local economy. The college has an annual economic impact of over $1.6 billion and generates over 13,000 jobs in the region. NOVA graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impact in their communities.
Quick Facts
Enrollment: 52873
Type: Public, 2-year
Main Website: https://www.nvcc.edu/
Financial Aid: https://