Steps to Get Started for Returning Students
If you have previously attended Northern Virginia Community College but have not taken classes within the last two years, please use the following checklist to start your application.
Returning Students
Submit an application for admission:
- View Admissions Information.
- If you believe you qualify for in-state tuition rates, complete the in-state tuition section of the application form prior to enrollment and payment of tuition.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least four weeks prior to the tuition payment deadline. Use the online tutorial to help you complete the form.
- Learn more about financial assistance.
- To pay in installments, you must enroll in the FACTS Tuition Payment Plan prior to your tuition due date.
Most U.S. students will not need to take a placement test at NOVA. Students should visit the Direct Enrollment and Self Placement site to learn more about new placement measures and to fill out an Advising Survey to determine which college level Math and English courses to start with.
- Tests are given at each campus Testing Center.
- Photo ID and Student ID (found on your NOVACard) are required.
- Allow approximately two hours for each test.
You are encouraged to speak with an advisor before enrolling for classes. An advisor can help you select a major, identify the classes you need to take, get financial aid, evaluate potential careers and more.
- Walk-in advising is available at any Student Services Center.
- Students with disabilities can meet with a counselor for accommodations and accessibility services.
- Confirm your major.
- Bring an unofficial transcript from every college you have attended.
- Determine which classes transfer to NOVA.
- Verify whether you need to take placement tests.
- Choose your classes.
Enroll online with NOVAConnect. First-time students are encouraged to enroll in SDV 100 or another student development course during their first semester.
- Learn more about registration.
Pay online by credit card through NOVAConnect. When you enroll for classes, you must pay by the payment deadline. Unpaid classes may be dropped from your schedule.
- Learn more about paying for college.
- View additional payment methods.
Print a copy of your enrollment schedule from NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County) to check your classes and payment status.
- Verify that you are enrolled in the correct courses.
- Print a copy of your enrollment schedule every time you make a change.
You can buy your parking permit online through Parking Services using your credit card 24 hours after you enroll for classes. You can also pay for a permit by cash or check at any of the campus Parking Services offices.
Parking permits are required for all semesters/sessions of enrollment.
Permits are required for all vehicles parked in all lots (except parking meters and hourly pay lots).
Student permits are valid only in "B" lots.
To use the parking garages at the Annandale and Medical Education Campuses, you must have a NOVACard ID and a parking permit.
Hourly pay parking is available in the garages for those without a current permit and ID card.
Activate your free email account.
- To protect your privacy, instructors may only use a student's official NOVA email address.
- You will receive updates on course changes and other pertinent information through your NOVA email account.
Important Notice: Students cannot activate their VCCS student email until they have enrolled for classes. All fees must be paid before students can access their email.