Engineering Scholarships: Your Path to an Affordable Degree

Imagine pursuing your passion for problem-solving, design and innovation — without the stress of overwhelming tuition and costs. The NOVA CORE Scholarship helps make that possible by providing financial support to students ready to build a future in engineering.

To qualify for the CORE scholarship, you must:

• Be enrolled in NOVA’s engineering associate degree program
• Demonstrate financial need, based on NOVA’s guidelines
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering

If you meet these criteria, this scholarship can significantly lower the cost of your education, allowing you to focus on your education and career goals — without financial barriers standing in your way.

Earning the NOVA CORE Scholarship is just the beginning — staying on track ensures you continue receiving support while gaining hands-on experiences that set you apart. This scholarship isn’t just about funding; it’s about fully engaging in your education and preparing for success.

To maintain your CORE scholarship, you’ll need to:

• Stay enrolled full time in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Participate in Exploration and Service Bridges programs
• Attend at least 90% of workshops and Exploration activities each year
• Complete SDV 100 (College Success Skills) or SDV 101 (Orientation to Engineering)
• Take part in a service-learning assignment in your second cohort year
• Present at the Experiential Learning Conference
• Create a YouTube video sharing your college experience

These requirements are designed to help you develop critical skills, connect with peers and mentors and build a strong foundation for your future. By fully engaging in the program, you’ll gain more than just financial aid — you’ll be part of a community that supports your growth and success.

The NOVA CORE Scholarship offers you a pathway to success in engineering. With funding, mentorship and career development opportunities, this program helps you focus on your education and future without financial stress.

As a recipient, you’ll gain:

• Up to $6,000 per year to help cover tuition, fees and educational expenses
• Faculty and peer mentoring to guide you through challenging coursework
• Career readiness resources, including workshops, internships and networking opportunities
• Support for transferring to a four-year university, ensuring a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree

This scholarship isn’t just about paying for school — it's about equipping you with the skills, connections and confidence to excel at NOVA and in your future engineering career.

Attending NOVA can save you thousands of dollars in tuition compared to starting at a four-year university. With our lower tuition, generous engineering scholarships and other financial aid for engineering students, you can graduate with less or no debt compared to other programs.

Our intensive curriculum ensures you’re well-prepared for advanced engineering studies and to succeed in your professional engineering career. NOVA’s engineering classes provide hands-on learning and essential skills in:

• Mathematics and calculus: Build a strong foundation in problem-solving and analytical thinking for all engineering disciplines.
• Physics and chemistry: Apply fundamental scientific principles to solve real-world engineering challenges.
• Engineering design and mechanics: Learn concepts used in mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering.
• Computer programming for engineers: Develop essential coding skills for modern engineering applications.

At NOVA, you can complete your associate degree while preparing for a smooth transition to a four-year university. By meeting GPA and course requirements, you’ll qualify for Guaranteed Admission Agreements (GAA), allowing you to continue your education without interruption. NOVA’s engineering program transfers directly to:

• George Mason University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Virginia
• Old Dominion University
• Iron Range Engineering Bell Program

At NOVA, you’ll enjoy small classes, hands-on engineering lab experiences and faculty mentors who will support you throughout your engineering education. You’ll gain practical experience in engineering principles with access to state-of-the-art facilities, preparing you to transfer to a bachelor’s degree in engineering program.

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your credits transfer and your education meets high academic standards. Universities trust NOVA graduates to excel in their engineering programs, giving you a competitive edge as you continue your studies.

You may already have valuable knowledge and skills that count toward your degree. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn college credit for skills and education gained outside the classroom. This includes:

• Certifications
• AP, IB, CLEP and Cambridge exams
• Military training
• Relevant work or life experience

Explore NOVA’s CPL options to see how you can save time and money by applying your past learning to your degree.