Head-to-head · 2026
Northern Virginia Community College vs Washington and Lee University
Compare average net price ($9,919 at Northern Virginia Community College; $23,781 at Washington and Lee University), ROI score (13.50 vs 9.97), ten-year median earnings ($53,557 vs $94,810), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Northern Virginia Community College; 14% at Washington and Lee University) using federal College Scorecard data. Northern Virginia Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Northern Virginia Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Northern Virginia Community College | Washington and Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.50 ✓ | 9.97 |
| Avg net price | $9,919 ✓ | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,557 | $94,810 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 14% |
| Graduation rate | 33.1% | 93.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,000 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 33,048 | 1,881 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1498 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Washington and Lee University costs $13,862 more per year than Northern Virginia Community College ($23,781 vs $9,919). Washington and Lee University graduates report $41,253 higher median earnings after ten years ($94,810 vs $53,557). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Virginia Community College ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 9.97, 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, Washington and Lee University reports 14% acceptance; Northern Virginia Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Northern Virginia Community College vs Washington and Lee University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern Virginia Community College or Washington and Lee University the better value?
Northern Virginia Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 9.97), 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 $23,781 at Washington and Lee University. The annual difference of $13,862 adds up to about $55,448 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Washington and Lee University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $94,810 vs $53,557 at Northern Virginia Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $41,253.
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. Northern Virginia Community College reports a A value grade; Washington and Lee University reports B.