NOVA’s New Payment Plan to Ease Student Stress

In July 2020, when we were still in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, NOVA was searching for ways to ease the pressure on students already struggling to make ends meet.

NOVA eliminated holds on student accounts that made it difficult or impossible for students to register for classes. We eliminated the placement test requirement to make things easier. We changed the course schedule in order to group classes together so students would be less likely to have to come to campus for class, leave for work and return for later classes. And in an even more tangible effort, NOVA was among the first to offer emergency student aid, which launched even before CARES Act funding was available.

But students told us one thing that would really help them out was a payment plan. Instead of harsh “drop for non-payment policies,” students told us they needed lower deposits and a longer time to pay—and NOVA listened.

NOVA developed semi-monthly and monthly payment schedules to significantly ease the financial burden on students. Beginning with spring 2021 registration, which opened Oct. 26, students can sign up for either of the two new payment plans, which will require between a 10% and 50% deposit and provide broader, more student-friendly payment dates.

“NOVA is turning over every rock looking for savings for our students,” said Ina Dimkova, vice president of finance and administration. “In a tumultuous time, our students need to feel like there is someone looking out for them. We will explore every possibility to help our students during this time and going forward.”

If students need assistance in determining which plan is right for them, they can email NOVApaymentplan@nvcc.edu or call 703-450-2562. They can also visit https://www.nvcc.edu/payment/plan.html for details.