Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a comprehensive two-year institution of higher education, fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The College's mission is to respond to the educational needs of a changing community and its institutions, ensuring that all individuals in the Northern Virginia area have an opportunity to develop and enhance their values, skills, and knowledge. To achieve this mission, NOVA provides courses and programs of instruction, through the associate degree level, encompassing

• occupational/technical education,
• college-transfer education,
• general education,
• developmental education,
• training for business, industry, and government,
• continuing education and community services, and
• experience in the work environment.

Northern Virginia Community College is committed to providing open access and to offering a wide variety of high-quality programs and services within the means of all citizens.

With over 62,000 students enrolled in credit courses each year, NOVA is the largest institution of higher education in Virginia and the second-largest multicampus community college in the nation. The College serves another 230,000 persons annually in continuing education and community service programs.

NOVA has five campuses, in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas and Woodbridge. All campuses provide well-equipped facilities, dedicated faculty and a full range of student services to enhance the learning experience.

NOVA's Extended Learning Institute provides opportunities for home-study through various media, including televised courses, audiotapes, videotapes, computer conferencing and print materials.