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Military Personnel & Their Families

We are here to help you broaden your education. Attend NOVA while on active or reserve duty. We proudly offer courses at Fort Belvoir, Fort Myer and Marine Corps Base Quantico in addition to our six campus locations.

Follow the step-by-step checklist below to get started.

1: Apply for Admission

Submit an application for admission: Online | Download Application

2: Apply for Financial Aid

Apply for military education assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill: Online | Download Application.

You can also apply for student financial aid with 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.

Spouses and Family Members

If you are the spouse or child of a military service member who during active duty was killed, reported missing in action, prisoner of war or was rated permanently disabled, you can apply for tuition benefits through the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program: Download Application.

3: Take Placement Tests

Most new students should take the English and math placement tests.

  • 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

4: Get a Copy of the NOVA Catalog

The NOVA Catalog describes the courses, college policies and degree and certificate programs offered at NOVA. The Schedule of Classes also lists class times and locations.

5: See a Counselor

You must speak with a military counselor and a NOVA counselor before enrolling for classes. NOVA counselors can help you select a program of study and identify the classes you need to take.

6: Enroll for Classes

Enroll online with NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). First-time students are encouraged to enroll in SDV 100 or another student development course during their first semester.

7: Pay Your Tuition

Pay online by credit card through NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). You can also pay by cash (on campus only), money order, check, military tuition assistance, agency contract or student financial aid.

8: Check Your Enrollment Schedule

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

9: Buy Your Books

Print your schedule of classes and take it to your campus bookstore, or buy your books online.

10: Buy a Parking Permit

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

11: Get Your NOVACARD Student Identification

Get your free NOVACARD 24 hours after you enroll for classes. It also serves as your library card and can be used for copying and on campus and a variety of discounts.

12:  Activate Your Email Account

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

13: Explore

Learn more about the services and activities at Northern Virginia Community College: