ANNANDALE, Va., May 6, 2025 — The ADVANCE program, a highly successful transfer partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University, is showcased in the newly released Transfer Playbook 2.0 . This is a joint publication of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the Community College Research Center.
The Transfer Playbook highlights the ADVANCE program as a national model for addressing the historically complex transfer process between community colleges and four-year institutions, citing nine examples that illustrate ADVANCE’s exceptional success. Over 90% of ADVANCE students complete their bachelor’s degree within two years of transferring to George Mason.
The Transfer Playbook presents key strategies that community colleges and four-year institutions can adopt to eliminate obstacles faced by students, such as credit loss and low bachelor’s degree completion rates. Among the 80% of community college students aiming for a bachelor's degree, only 16% achieve that goal within six years. The Transfer Playbook emphasizes the success of ADVANCE, which is fueled by the partnership between NOVA and George Mason, a framework of collaborative governance and a robust coaching program.
🎓 Solving Transfer Troubles: ADVANCE has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national model for addressing transfer challenges.
“We are honored that the Aspen Institute is highlighting ADVANCE and our longstanding partnership with George Mason University, demonstrating that a smooth and purposeful transfer process leads to exceptional student outcomes. Since its 2018 launch, ADVANCE has improved enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for participating students while at NOVA, and their success continues after transferring to George Mason, leading to accelerated degree completion. ADVANCE makes bachelor’s degrees more affordable and attainable, supporting NOVA’s mission to transform students’ lives and expand opportunity,” said Anne M. Kress, president of NOVA.
The ADVANCE program is a key component of the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP), George Mason’s statewide initiative to expand access to higher education and economic opportunity. MVP builds on the success of ADVANCE by streamlining transfer to George Mason for students who participate at NOVA. MVP also offers training and financial support to Virginians who aspire to start a business – reinforcing the university’s commitment to the commonwealth’s economic success.
• More than 6,000 students are enrolled.
• Program eliminates transfer credit guesswork by offering 87 academic pathways that map to NOVA and George Mason curricula.
• 60% are first generation, showing strong participation from those who stand to benefit most.
• Coaches at both NOVA and George Mason take a holistic approach to supporting student success.
Proof of Success: ADVANCE’s Graduation and Retention Rates
• As of Fall 2024, students at George Mason completed an average of seven fewer credits, taking 1.5 fewer semesters to graduate compared to non-ADVANCE transfer students.
• Among the 2021 cohort, the fall-to-fall retention rate for students at NOVA was 87%, well above the national community college average of 61%.
• At George Mason, the 2021 cohort’s retention rate was 96%, far exceeding the national average for four-year universities.
Learn more about the ADVANCE Program.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kathy Parkinson, NOVA PIO, KParkinson@nvcc.edu
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About Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America’s largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 70,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.