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Paying For College

Finances & Enrollment
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The Challenge of College Tuition

The Impact of Finances on Enrollment

A large number of community college students come from low-income backgrounds, and many others are older and financially independent. As a result, community college students will often enter college with significant financial need. Furthermore, the process of applying for financial aid can be daunting and complex, so students may not be aware that they qualify for grants, scholarships, and other awards. Instead, students may try to rely solely on their own personal income and savings, or the income and savings of family and friends, to finance their education.

Without the assistance of financial aid, paying for tuition, fees, and related expenses is extremely challenging. Students who struggle with how to pay their tuition balances may choose to discontinue enrollment prior to meeting their academic goals. However, there are numerous options available to students, and the NOVA Financial Aid Office can be a vital source of information. Helping students to understand their options and weather financial difficulties will be critical to NOVA’s efforts to help every student succeed.

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Nationwide NUMBERS

diverse crowd of people

$120 billion

yearly amount of grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans awarded to students by the U.S. Department of Education.1

24%

of surveyed students or their parents did not fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).2

34%

of federal Pell grants were awarded to students attending public, two-year institutions.3

77%

of students at four-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

58%

of students at two-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

Nationwide NUMBERS

diverse crowd of people

$120 billion

yearly amount of grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans awarded to students by the U.S. Department of Education.1

24%

of surveyed students or their parents did not fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).2

34%

of federal Pell grants were awarded to students attending public, two-year institutions.3

77%

of students at four-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

58%

of students at two-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

Nationwide NUMBERS

diverse crowd of people

$120 billion

yearly amount of grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans awarded to students by the U.S. Department of Education.1

24%

of surveyed students or their parents did not fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).2

34%

of federal Pell grants were awarded to students attending public, two-year institutions.3

77%

of students at four-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

58%

of students at two-year institutions received some type of financial aid.4

How Students Pay for College

On average, community college tuition costs less than that of a four-year institution. However, many students still struggle with how to pay for college. Compared to students at four-year schools, community college students rely more on their own income and savings, as well as grants, to finance their education.5
Students at public, two-year institutions
Students at public, four-year institutions

How Students Pay for College

On average, community college tuition costs less than that of a four-year institution. However, many students still struggle with how to pay for college. Compared to students at four-year schools, community college students rely more on their own income and savings, as well as grants, to finance their education.5
Students at public, two-year institutions
Students at public, four-year institutions

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Financial Assistance at NOVA

In the 2017-18 academic year, over $115 million in financial aid was awarded to over 20,000 NOVA students. This represents a substantial increase from the $43 million awarded to NOVA students ten years ago. Each year, these funds are critical to helping NOVA students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and related expenses.6

Financial Aid Awards

Top Grants

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Virginia Commonwealth Grant
  • NOVA Tuition Assistance Grant

Top Scholarships

  • Community-Based Scholarships
  • NOVA Foundation
  • Tribal Funds Scholarship

Top Loans

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Financial Assistance at NOVA

In the 2017-18 academic year, over $115 million in financial aid was awarded to over 20,000 NOVA students. This represents a substantial increase from the $43 million awarded to NOVA students ten years ago. Each year, these funds are critical to helping NOVA students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and related expenses.6

Financial Aid Awards

Tap for larger

Top Grants

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Virginia Commonwealth Grant
  • NOVA Tuition Assistance Grant

Top Scholarships

  • Community-Based Scholarships
  • NOVA Foundation
  • Tribal Funds Scholarship

Top Loans

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The FAFSA Problem

Each year, thousands of students who may have qualified for financial aid did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Surveyed students who enrolled in college but did not fill out a FAFSA cited many reasons for their decision to not fill out the form.2

52%

Believed they could afford college without financial aid

49%

Thought they were ineligible or did not qualify for aid

33%

Did not want to take on debt

23%

Did not have enough information about how to complete a FAFSA

14%

Did not know that they could complete a FAFSA

12%

Thought FAFSA forms were too much work or too time-consuming

The FAFSA Problem

Each year, thousands of students who may have qualified for financial aid did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Surveyed students who enrolled in college but did not fill out a FAFSA cited many reasons for their decision to not fill out the form.2

52%

Believed they could afford college without financial aid

49%

Thought they were ineligible or did not qualify for aid

33%

Did not want to take on debt

23%

Did not have enough information about how to complete a FAFSA

14%

Did not know that they could complete a FAFSA

12%

Thought FAFSA forms were too much work or too time-consuming

The FAFSA Problem

Each year, thousands of students who may have qualified for financial aid did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Surveyed students who enrolled in college but did not fill out a FAFSA cited many reasons for their decision to not fill out the form.2

52%

Believed they could afford college without financial aid

49%

Thought they were ineligible or did not qualify for aid

33%

Did not want to take on debt

23%

Did not have enough information about how to complete a FAFSA

14%

Did not know that they could complete a FAFSA

12%

Thought FAFSA forms were too much work or too time-consuming

Competing Priorities

Many students face financial obligations above the cost of tuition and fees. Competing priorities can put a strain on financial stability, which can cause a student to leave college early due to an inability to pay. Budgeting and financial planning can help students make better financial choices and succeed in college.

Employment

A majority of community college students are employed full- or part-time.7 Having a job means less time to focus on studying, but many students rely on this income to pay for basic necessities, such as housing and groceries.

Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected financial challenges can occur at any time and for any student. Since many students lack a financial cushion, an unexpected expense can mean choosing between paying for college or repairing a broken car.

Caring for Children

A large number of community college students are older, which means many are attending college while raising children.8 These students face additional expenses such as childcare and family healthcare.

Competing Priorities

Many students face financial obligations above the cost of tuition and fees. Competing priorities can put a strain on financial stability, which can cause a student to leave college early due to an inability to pay. Budgeting and financial planning can help students make better financial choices and succeed in college.

Employment

A majority of community college students are employed full- or part-time.7 Having a job means less time to focus on studying, but many students rely on this income to pay for basic necessities, such as housing and groceries.

Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected financial challenges can occur at any time and for any student. Since many students lack a financial cushion, an unexpected expense can mean choosing between paying for college or repairing a broken car.

Caring for Children

A large number of community college students are older, which means many are attending college while raising children.8 These students face additional expenses such as childcare and family healthcare.

Competing Priorities

Many students face financial obligations above the cost of tuition and fees. Competing priorities can put a strain on financial stability, which can cause a student to leave college early due to an inability to pay. Budgeting and financial planning can help students make better financial choices and succeed in college.

Employment

A majority of community college students are employed full- or part-time.7 Having a job means less time to focus on studying, but many students rely on this income to pay for basic necessities, such as housing and groceries.

Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected financial challenges can occur at any time and for any student. Since many students lack a financial cushion, an unexpected expense can mean choosing between paying for college or repairing a broken car.

Caring for Children

A large number of community college students are older, which means many are attending college while raising children.8 These students face additional expenses such as childcare and family healthcare.

Beyond Financial Aid

Numerous organizations provide scholarships that can help students cover the cost of college. There are many places where a student can search for and find external scholarships, including:

Beyond Financial Aid

Numerous organizations provide scholarships that can help students cover the cost of college. There are many places where a student can search for and find external scholarships, including:

Tap for larger

Learn More

Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Students choose to enroll at community colleges in order to pursue a wide variety of personal and academic goals. However, due to the significant investment of time and effort required to attend college, many students will stop out or drop out before they reach their academic goals. Many obstacles can lead students to discontinue their enrollment, including personal, financial, institutional, and academic reasons.

NOVA offers a variety of support services to help students overcome the multitude of challenges they may face that could delay their path toward completion.

Financial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance and advising to help students understand how they can cover the cost of college. Students are encouraged to apply for federal, state, and NOVA-specific scholarships, grants, and loans, including need-based financial aid.

Learn more about financial aid and how to apply at: http://www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/index.html

Single Stop

Single Stop, an initiative within NOVA’s Financial Stability Program, provides coordinated access to resources in the community that can help students find financial assistance in the form of childcare services, healthcare coverage, temporary cash assistance, food assistance, and more.

Learn more and find available resources at: https://nvcc.singlestoptechnologies.com

Scholarship Search

The Virginia Community College Scholarship Search can help students attending Virginia community colleges find a variety of scholarships that can be used to offset the cost of college. Scholarships are available for all kinds of student learners, including graduating high school students, currently enrolled students, adult learners, veterans, and more.

Search scholarships for community college students at: https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/scholarShipSearch

NOVA Payment Plan

NOVA offers students several payment options, including the NOVA Payment Plan. The payment plan allows students to pay their tuition balances in monthly installments throughout the semester. There is no credit check required and students are not charged interest to participate.

Learn more about the plan and find the information line at: https://www.nvcc.edu/payment/methods/index.html

Citations

  1. (2019). Types of Aid. Federal Student Aid, An Office of the U.S. Department of Education.
  2. Bahr, S., Sparks, D., & Mulvaney Hoyer, K. (2018). Why Didn’t Students Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? A Detailed Look. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  3. (2018). Trends in Student Aid 2018. Trends in Higher Education Series, College Board.
  4. Radwin, D., Conzelmann, J.G., Nunnery, A., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Lew, S., Wine, J., & Siegel, P. (2018). 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2015-16. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  1. (2018). How America Pays for College 2018. Sallie Mae and Ipsos Public Affairs.
  2. Financial Aid Office, Northern Virginia Community College.
  3. (2019). Fast Facts 2019. American Association of Community Colleges.
  4. Noll, E., Reichlin, L., & Gault, B. (2017). College Students with Children: National and Regional Profiles. Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
  1. (2019). Types of Aid. Federal Student Aid, An Office of the U.S. Department of Education.
  2. Bahr, S., Sparks, D., & Mulvaney Hoyer, K. (2018). Why Didn’t Students Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? A Detailed Look. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  3. (2018). Trends in Student Aid 2018. Trends in Higher Education Series, College Board.
  4. Radwin, D., Conzelmann, J.G., Nunnery, A., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Lew, S., Wine, J., & Siegel, P. (2018). 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2015-16. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  5. (2018). How America Pays for College 2018. Sallie Mae and Ipsos Public Affairs.
  6. Financial Aid Office, Northern Virginia Community College.
  7. (2019). Fast Facts 2019. American Association of Community Colleges.
  8. Noll, E., Reichlin, L., & Gault, B. (2017). College Students with Children: National and Regional Profiles. Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

Learn More

Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Students choose to enroll at community colleges in order to pursue a wide variety of personal and academic goals. However, due to the significant investment of time and effort required to attend college, many students will stop out or drop out before they reach their academic goals. Many obstacles can lead students to discontinue their enrollment, including personal, financial, institutional, and academic reasons.

NOVA offers a variety of support services to help students overcome the multitude of challenges they may face that could delay their path toward completion.

Financial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance and advising to help students understand how they can cover the cost of college. Students are encouraged to apply for federal, state, and NOVA-specific scholarships, grants, and loans, including need-based financial aid.

Learn more about financial aid and how to apply at: http://www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/index.html

Single Stop

Single Stop, an initiative within NOVA’s Financial Stability Program, provides coordinated access to resources in the community that can help students find financial assistance in the form of childcare services, healthcare coverage, temporary cash assistance, food assistance, and more.

Learn more and find available resources at: https://nvcc.singlestoptechnologies.com

Scholarship Search

The Virginia Community College Scholarship Search can help students attending Virginia community colleges find a variety of scholarships that can be used to offset the cost of college. Scholarships are available for all kinds of student learners, including graduating high school students, currently enrolled students, adult learners, veterans, and more.

Search scholarships for community college students at: https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/scholarShipSearch

NOVA Payment Plan

NOVA offers students several payment options, including the NOVA Payment Plan. The payment plan allows students to pay their tuition balances in monthly installments throughout the semester. There is no credit check required and students are not charged interest to participate.

Learn more about the plan and find the information line at: https://www.nvcc.edu/payment/methods/index.html

Citations

  1. (2019). Types of Aid. Federal Student Aid, An Office of the U.S. Department of Education.
  2. Bahr, S., Sparks, D., & Mulvaney Hoyer, K. (2018). Why Didn’t Students Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? A Detailed Look. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  3. (2018). Trends in Student Aid 2018. Trends in Higher Education Series, College Board.
  4. Radwin, D., Conzelmann, J.G., Nunnery, A., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Lew, S., Wine, J., & Siegel, P. (2018). 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2015-16. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
  5. (2018). How America Pays for College 2018. Sallie Mae and Ipsos Public Affairs.
  6. Financial Aid Office, Northern Virginia Community College.
  7. (2019). Fast Facts 2019. American Association of Community Colleges.
  8. Noll, E., Reichlin, L., & Gault, B. (2017). College Students with Children: National and Regional Profiles. Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS & STUDENT SUCCESS

George E. Gabriel, Ph.D., VP of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success

Elizabeth (Lisa) Hill, Assistant Dean Graphic Design, Alexandria

Designers: Jennifer Knotts | John Shea