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 is 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's 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 yearsto 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.

For information about admissions and enrollment for G3 programs, please contact:

G3@nvcc.edu
703.323.3000

For help with financial aid, please contact the 24-Hour Student Support Center at 855.323.3199 or the Financial Aid Office.