Transfer Initiatives

NOVA is committed to helping students achieve their academic goals by providing clear pathways to a bachelor’s degree. Our transfer initiatives are designed to make the transition from NOVA to four-year institutions seamless, supportive, and rewarding. The programs below, offer a mix of specialized advising, streamlined admission opportunities, and targeted support that open doors to top universities. Explore each initiative to better understand its purpose, benefits, and requirements.

ADVANCE is a nationally recognized transfer partnership between NOVA and George Mason University that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their associate and bachelor’s degrees in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Through its Preferred Consideration Program for Community Colleges, Georgetown University offers a unique opportunity for outstanding students seeking transfer admission. Each year, NOVA's president may nominate up to three exceptional candidates to receive preferred consideration during Georgetown University's transfer admission review.

Eligibility Criteria

Participation in this program is by invitation only. Qualified students will receive an email in late February or early March with application details.

To be considered for this program, students are expected to meet the following minimum criteria:

Earned a minimum college GPA of 3.8, with a high school record similar to that of students who attend Georgetown.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Have not previously earned a bachelor's degree.
Completed at least 45 credits at NOVA.

Current dual enrollment students do not qualify for this program.

All deadlines and requirements will be communicated to qualifying students, but students must have also applied to Georgetown to be considered.

What Students Need to Do

Eligible students will receive instructions via email for completing and submitting the Georgetown Preferred Consideration program packet.
- Complete the Georgetown Preferred Consideration program packet
Submit a transfer application to Georgetown for the fall application cycle.

Benefits

Preferred admission consideration for finalists: The Preferred Consideration Program for Community Colleges does not guarantee admission to Georgetown University and does not include eligibility for special financial aid or scholarships.

Questions can be directed to Abbey Jones, Associate Director for Specialty Programs, at ajones@nvcc.edu.

NOVA is proud to partner with George Washington University (GW) on the Community Scholars Program, an initiative that recognizes and supports exceptional community college students. Through this program, NOVA may nominate up to three outstanding students each year for enhanced consideration in GW’s transfer admissions process. Students selected as Community Scholars not only receive a fee waiver for their GW application but also preferred consideration for merit scholarships, along with the distinction of being named a Community Scholar at one of the nation’s leading universities.

Eligibility Criteria

Participation in this program is by invitation only. Qualified students will receive an email in January with application details.

To be nominated for the Community Scholars Program, students must:

Apply for fall admission to GW.
Have completed at least 45 college credit hours after high school graduation.
- Dual enrollment, AP, IB, or credits earned prior to high school graduation do not count toward this total.
Have not previously earned a bachelor's degree.
Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 (including any courses taken at other institutions after high school graduation).
Applicants to GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, must have successfully completed a college‑level calculus course (credits earned before high school graduation do not meet this requirement).
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Demonstrate a strong desire to become part of the GW community.

Current dual enrollment students do not qualify for this program.

What Students Need to Do

Eligible students will receive instructions via email for completing the GW Community Scholars interest form.
- Complete the GW Community Scholars interest form.
Submit a transfer application to GW for the fall application cycle.
Ensure all required materials are submitted, and eligibility standards are met.
Remain in good academic standing during GW’s application review.

Benefits

GW application fee waiver
Preferred consideration for merit scholarships: Nominated students may receive up to $20,000 ($10,000 per academic year) in scholarships.
Recognition as a Community Scholar

Questions can be directed to GW at transfer@gwu.edu or novatransfervisits@nvcc.edu.

NOVA and Marymount University partner to provide transfer students with a clear and affordable pathway to earning a bachelor's degree. Through the NOVA Priority Program, students benefit from dedicated transfer support, transfer guides designed to maximize the application of earned credits, an easy-to-navigate admission process via the VCCS Guaranteed Admission Agreement, and scholarship opportunities that help make a Marymount education more affordable.

Eligibility Criteria

While there are no specific eligibility criteria for this program, students must meet the requirements outlined below to receive the NOVA Priority Award.

What Students Need to Do

Students interested in transferring to Marymount are encouraged to connect with Marymount's Transfer Admissions team early to discuss their academic pathway, course selection, and scholarship opportunities.

Benefits:

Direct access to a dedicated University Transfer Representative: Students receive personalized guidance and are connected to resources to support a successful transition.
Transfer pathways: Academic tools are available to help students move efficiently from NOVA to Marymount.
NOVA Priority Award: Students who graduate from NOVA with an associate degree may qualify for a renewable annual scholarship of $2,500. Students who transfer with 30 or more credits but without an associate degree may qualify for a $1,500 scholarship.

The Transfer Scholars Network (TSN) is a national initiative that connects high‑achieving community college students with admissions representatives from highly selective four‑year colleges and universities. Through NOVA’s participation, nominated students gain direct access to partner institutions, exclusive resources (i.e. webinars, guidance on transfer applications), and information about financial aid opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Participation in this program is by invitation only and is limited to students who meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Qualified students will receive an email in late October/early November with application details.

Completed 15 or more credit hours at NOVA.
Earned a cumulative 3.7 GPA or higher.
Declared a transferable associate degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science).

What Students Need to Do

Eligible students will receive instructions on how to join TSN.
Students must complete a TSN Student Portal profile and the TSN Scholar Form.

Benefits

Fee waivers: Many TSN partner institutions provide free applications for eligible students.
Scholarship opportunities: Eligible students receive information about financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities available at participating institutions.
Personalized guidance: Admissions representatives offer tailored advice and support throughout the transfer process.
Prestigious recognition: Being nominated as a Transfer Scholar signals exceptional academic achievement and potential to thrive at selective universities.

Questions can be directed to transfernetwork@nvcc.edu.