Design and Applied Arts at Northern Virginia Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Northern Virginia Community College's Design and Applied Arts associate's degree shows promising early earnings relative to peer programs, though the limited data warrants some caution. At $33,232 in first-year earnings, graduates outpace the national median by nearly $5,400 and sit slightly above Virginia's state median. Within the state's small pool of similar programs, NOVA ranks second only to Virginia Western, which reports identical median earnings. The 60th percentile state ranking understates the competitive picture—there are only five programs statewide, and NOVA effectively ties for the lead.
The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $18,250, graduates carry just 55 cents of debt for every dollar earned—well below concerning thresholds. This positions NOVA in the 27th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning graduates here owe less than roughly three-quarters of their peers elsewhere. For a community college serving a region with high living costs, these combined metrics suggest reasonable accessibility without sacrificing earning potential.
The caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual circumstances could significantly skew these figures. Still, for Northern Virginia families weighing an affordable creative credential, this program delivers earnings comparable to the state's best while keeping debt manageable—a solid foundation for either entering the workforce or continuing education.
Where Northern Virginia Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Virginia Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Virginia Community College graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all design and applied arts associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | $33,232 | — | $18,250 | 0.55 |
| Virginia Western Community College | $31,440 | $33,618 | — | — |
| Tidewater Community College | $22,935 | $26,209 | $12,320 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $27,846 | — | $14,454 | 0.52 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Western Community College Roanoke | $5,256 | $31,440 | — |
| Tidewater Community College Norfolk | $5,714 | $22,935 | $12,320 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northern Virginia Community College, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.