Many of the G3 certificates and degrees are "stackable." This means that programs start with quick skills training leading to a certificate with immediate value in the job market. If a credential or certificate is part of a larger associate degree, a student can begin working in their field (making money!) while continuing to take courses toward finishing the degree. 

View the Stacked Credentials Infographic.

At NOVA, we understand that time and money are two major factors to consider when exploring training for a new career. To support you on your new endeavor we award college credit for completion of industry certifications.

To have your previous work evaluated by NOVA: Fill out the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form (#125-049E). Send your official documents (certification) to AsktheCRO@nvcc.edu. Students may have official transcripts sent to NOVA via the National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance, Parchment or directly from their former institution. Costs associated with sending the transcript(s) are the responsibility of the student.

Credit for Prior Learning G3 Initiative @NOVA [PDF]

Short Vs. Long-Term Programs. The G3 program recognizes that there are many pathways to success. For some students, a short-term credential or certificate program is the best fit and might take a few weeks or a few months to complete. For other learners, a one-year or two-year program may be the most appropriate path. Students work closely with an academic advisor to determine which option makes sense for their career goals. It is important to remember that many G3 programs are stackable, learners can finish a certificate and return to build on that accomplishment.

Full- or Part-Time Study. Students in G3 can enroll full-time or part-time. "Part-time" means a student is taking 6-11 credit hours each semester or is enrolled in an approved short-term (non-credit) program. For those who can enroll as full-time students (12 or more credits in the longer fall/spring semesters and 6 credits in the shorter summer semester), additional G3 financial assistance is available to those who qualify financially. The additional financial assistance for full-time students is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student must work so that he or she can spend more time studying. Students can speak with an advisor about a time commitment that is most appropriate for their individual situation.

Time Limits. Maintaining momentum is important in reaching your educational and career goals. As such, G3 has several time limits built into the program. For those pursuing an associate degree, a student has up to three years to complete the degree. Those who complete a short-term certificate must return to NOVA within one year to "stack" credentials and finish an associate degree. From that point, the student has two years to complete the remaining requirements of an associate degree. As with most financial aid programs, students in G3 must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward graduation and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA).

Last Dollar Funds. G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay and the cost of tuition, fees, and books for the program of study. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program. Last-dollar funds, as the name implies, are intended to be paid after all other gift aid has been awarded. Gift aid resources include state and federal financial aid, institutional grants and scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and Chapter 33 Veteran's benefits.

Apply for Financial Aid. This means that an individual enrolling in a G3 certificate or degree program must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for G3 funding. An individual enrolling in a designated short-term, non-credit credential program must provide documentation of household income or eligibility for federal assistance programs by completing the Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC) application.

Tuition and Fees. Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 tuition and fees for Virginia Residents in credit-bearing programs (A.A.S., CSC, and CERT programs) is $185.50 per credit hour. Textbooks and other required course materials are not included in this amount.NOVA's tuition and fee schedule can be viewed in its entirety here.

Tuition and fees for Fast Forward short-term career training programs (non-degree) are priced individually and can be viewed here.

The G3 initiative provides an opportunity for any Virginian to earn a college credential that meets critical employer demands. Virginia House Bill 2204 established G3 as a last-dollar grant for eligible students after other grant aid is applied. Funding is available for either credit or non-credit programs.

G3 is a limited pool of funds for students enrolled at least half-time in one of the eligible G3 credit or non-credit programs and will be awarded on a first-come/first-served basis as eligibility is determined. G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program.

G3 awards can cover tuition and mandatory fees and a textbook stipend of $500 for full-time attendance, $375 for three-quarter-time and $250 for half-time enrollment.

Students who are enrolled full-time and receive a full Federal Pell Grant (based on a $0 Expected Family Contribution), can receive a Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) of up to $2,250 per year. To qualify for the Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG), students must be full-time (12 or more credit hours) and receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an EFC equal to 0. This additional assistance is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student has to work so that he or she can spend more time studying.

FastForward Programs are funded by the Workforce Credential Grant and are preparatory short-term training programs for industry credentials in high-demand professions. Virginia domiciled residents can take these programs by paying only one-third (1/3) of the full tuition cost, provided they successfully complete the program. Additional financial assistance, such as G3, is available to offset some or all of the FastForward tuition costs. Learn more https://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/assistance/

Yes. G3 is available to students who demonstrate the required financial need and want to enroll in short-term industry-recognized credential programs. To qualify for FastForward G3, students must meet the Virginia domicile requirements. Virginia "domicile" means you have lived in Virginia and intended to stay here indefinitely for at least one year prior to the date of application. Students interested in FastForward G3 programs must complete the FANTIC application. For more information and to complete the FANTIC Application online https://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/assistance/

Your income level will be assessed based on tax data provided on the current award year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). For the 2021-2022 school year, 2019 tax information is used to complete the FAFSA. The 2019 Federal Poverty Level guidelines are available here.

If your total household income on the FAFSA is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $50,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a family of four), you may be eligible for G3 funding. Keep in mind, all taxable and untaxable income for student/spouse/parent(s) is included in total household income.

If household income has declined within the last two years, students are encouraged to submit income appeal after they apply for financial aid.

The goal of the G3 initiative is to get students back into the workforce as quickly as possible. Therefore, students cannot be enrolled in NOVA’s transfer degree programs and receive G3 funding. Students should work with their academic advisors to choose the programs of study most appropriate for their career goals.

Students can only be placed in approved G3 programs. Dual placement in non-G3 programs that are financial aid eligible will not be permitted.

Example: Students cannot be placed into AAS Information Systems Technology (G3) and AS Computer Science (non-G3).

Students are initially awarded G3 funds based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) until adjustments are made after the 15-week term census date that occurs a few weeks into the term. G3 awards will be adjusted to actual enrollment at that time. Please do not ask for awards to be adjusted prior to the normal adjustment period.

At census date, awards will change if a student is less than full-time or has added or dropped credits. Credits dropped or never attended will also result in changes to awards and could mean that students owe back funds already awarded/received.

G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program. As such, G3 is subject to the same census locking rules as Pell.

To qualify for the Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG), students must be full-time (12 or more credit hours) and receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an EFC equal to 0. This additional assistance is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student has to work so that he or she can spend more time studying. *Students with a previous Bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible for SSIG.

SSIG is disbursed in two installments with the first one occurring after census and the second one delayed until the end of the term in order to confirm the student did not completely withdraw or stop attending.