Head-to-head · 2026
Mary Baldwin University vs Northern Virginia Community College
Compare average net price ($12,756 at Mary Baldwin University; $9,919 at Northern Virginia Community College), ROI score (8.71 vs 13.50), ten-year median earnings ($44,427 vs $53,557), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Mary Baldwin University; Open / not reported at Northern Virginia Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Virginia Community College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Northern Virginia Community College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Mary Baldwin University | Northern Virginia Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.71 | 13.50 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,756 | $9,919 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,427 | $53,557 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.3% ✓ | 33.1% |
| Median debt | $26,586 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,090 | 33,048 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Mary Baldwin University costs $2,837 more per year than Northern Virginia Community College ($12,756 vs $9,919). Northern Virginia Community College graduates report $9,130 higher median earnings after ten years ($53,557 vs $44,427). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Virginia Community College ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 8.71, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Northern Virginia Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Mary Baldwin University vs Northern Virginia Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Mary Baldwin University or Northern Virginia Community College the better value?
Northern Virginia Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 8.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Virginia Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,919 per year vs $12,756 at Mary Baldwin University. The annual difference of $2,837 adds up to about $11,348 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northern Virginia Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $53,557 vs $44,427 at Mary Baldwin University. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,130.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Mary Baldwin University reports a B value grade; Northern Virginia Community College reports A.