Northern Virginia Community College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With an 87.5% acceptance rate, NOVA is built to be accessible, so your strategy should focus on starting in the right courses and staying on track after enrollment. Since testing is optional, prep for the SAT or ACT if scores support placement, advising, or future transfer plans.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northern Virginia Community College facts and stats
Northern Virginia Community College enrolls 56,457 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. NOVA has a 71% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 31:1.
Annandale, VA

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Key Northern Virginia Community College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to NOVA, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus a fall retake for superscoring opportunities. Since NOVA is test-optional and has no ED or EA deadline, do not use the May 1 financial aid priority deadline to set your testing timeline.
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What you'll actually pay
NOVA is a public college with in-state tuition of $5,714 and out-of-state tuition of $11,453. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline.

At Northern Virginia Community College, out-of-state tuition is $11,453, while in-state tuition is $5,714. Estimated room and board adds $12,684, so students should budget beyond tuition for housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. The amount students actually pay can vary based on their eligibility for grants, scholarships, and other financial aid.
Student life at Northern Virginia Community College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Averett University
Danville, VAAcceptance rate: 56.6%
SAT: 850–1170
ACT: 15–28
Bluefield University
Bluefield, VAAcceptance rate: 59.3%
Blue Ridge Community College, Virginia
Weyers Cave, VAAcceptance rate: 47.8%
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VAAcceptance rate: 91.7%
SAT: 1010–1390
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