Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) vs Reynolds C.C.

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and J Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Reynolds) stand as two prominent educational institutions in Virginia, each offering a unique learning experience. NOVA boasts an impressive 100% acceptance rate, welcoming students from all backgrounds, while Reynolds maintains a slightly more selective approach with an acceptance rate of 88%. Both colleges offer a diverse range of programs, with NOVA excelling in liberal arts and sciences, business, and healthcare, and Reynolds specializing in technical and trade programs. NOVA's student body is predominantly female, while Reynolds has a more balanced gender ratio. When it comes to graduation rates, NOVA outshines Reynolds, with a 33% graduation rate compared to Reynolds' 22%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, providing valuable insights to guide your educational journey.

	J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Northern Virginia Community College
Overview
Location	Richmond, Virginia	Annandale, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	63.0%	69.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $16,338 Out of state: $21,140	In state: $23,961 Out of state: $30,044
Average net price	$5,610	$9,627
Tuition	In state: $3,794 Out of state: $8,032	In state: $5,412 Out of state: $10,790
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	58.0% Average amount $5,568	53.0% Average amount $6,083
Students receiving federal student loan	5.0% Average amount $4,745	18.0% Average amount $4,754
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $6,148	0.0% Average amount $7,370

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,252 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%	49,560 Men 46.7% Women 53.3%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.3%	1.5%
International students	1.3%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Connecticut Georgia North Carolina	Virginia Maryland District of Columbia West Virginia North Carolina

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Health Professions Business Multidisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts	Liberal Arts Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences Health Professions
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	28:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	23.6%	32.9%
Dropout rate	47.6%	36.7%
Transferred out	14.6%	15.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,205 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $54,042 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $44,412 Year 2: $49,136 Year 3: $49,853 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,406 Year 2: $25,774 Year 3: $32,712 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $32,344 Social Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,585 Year 3: $30,298 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $27,584 Year 2: $27,048 Year 3: $28,265 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,590 Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $27,601 Biological and Physical Sciences (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,429 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $27,493 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $23,819 Year 2: $27,874 Year 3: $27,466 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $26,554	Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $74,638 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $77,964 Computer Science (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $39,274 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $69,522 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,587 Year 2: $57,657 Year 3: $62,620 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $61,136 Year 2: $60,903 Year 3: $61,377 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $53,059 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $33,646 Year 2: $33,382 Year 3: $50,541 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $61,129 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $48,517 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $41,037 Year 2: $54,778 Year 3: $45,252 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,169 Year 2: $29,350 Year 3: $42,383 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $34,656 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $41,957

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Reynolds)?

NOVA and Reynolds both offer excellent community college education, but differ primarily in location and size. NOVA serves Northern Virginia with six campuses and multiple centers, making it one of the largest community colleges in the US. Reynolds, located in the Richmond metropolitan area, has three campuses. NOVA generally has a larger student body and a wider array of specialized programs due to its size and resources, while Reynolds offers a more focused experience within the Richmond area.
Where are NOVA and Reynolds Community College located?

NOVA has six campuses: Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Medical Education Campus (Springfield), and Woodbridge, plus several off-campus centers throughout Northern Virginia. Reynolds has three campuses: Parham Road, Downtown, and Goochland, all located within the Richmond metropolitan area.
Which college is larger, NOVA or Reynolds?

NOVA is significantly larger than Reynolds. NOVA boasts a much larger student population and a broader range of academic programs and resources due to its extensive network of campuses and centers.
Do NOVA and Reynolds offer similar academic programs?

Yes, both NOVA and Reynolds offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs, including transfer programs to four-year universities, as well as career and technical education programs. You'll find common programs like business administration, information technology, nursing, and liberal arts at both institutions. However, NOVA, due to its size, may offer more specialized programs in certain fields.
How do the tuition costs compare between NOVA and Reynolds?

Tuition rates at NOVA and Reynolds are generally comparable, as they are both part of the Virginia Community College System. However, it's always best to check the most current tuition and fees on each college's official website, as they can be subject to change. Also, consider that total cost of attendance can vary based on your individual circumstances, such as housing and transportation.
What student support services are available at NOVA and Reynolds?

Both NOVA and Reynolds are committed to student success and offer a comprehensive range of support services. These typically include academic advising, tutoring, career services, disability services, libraries, and student activities. Specific services and resources may vary slightly between the colleges, so it's a good idea to explore each college's website for details.
Which college is better for transferring to a four-year university?

Both NOVA and Reynolds have strong transfer programs and articulation agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities in Virginia and beyond. The 'better' choice depends on your intended transfer institution and program. Research which college has established transfer pathways or partnerships with your target university to ensure a smooth transition.
How do I decide which college is right for me, NOVA or Reynolds?

Consider your location, program of interest, and preferred learning environment. If you live in Northern Virginia and want a large college with many options, NOVA might be a good fit. If you're in the Richmond area and prefer a more focused community college experience, Reynolds could be a better choice. Visit both campuses, talk to advisors, and explore their websites to make an informed decision.
Do NOVA and Reynolds offer online courses?

Yes, both NOVA and Reynolds offer a variety of online courses and programs, providing flexible learning options for students. The availability of specific courses online may vary between the colleges, so check their respective course catalogs for the most up-to-date information.
What are the admission requirements for NOVA and Reynolds?

Admission requirements for both NOVA and Reynolds are generally open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. You may need to take placement tests to determine your skill level in math and English. Check each college's admissions website for specific requirements and application procedures.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.