Head-to-head · 2026
Northern Virginia Community College vs William & Mary
Compare average net price ($9,919 at Northern Virginia Community College; $19,096 at William & Mary), ROI score (13.50 vs 9.62), ten-year median earnings ($53,557 vs $73,490), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Northern Virginia Community College; 34.1% at William & Mary) 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 | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.50 ✓ | 9.62 |
| Avg net price | $9,919 ✓ | $19,096 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $53,557 | $73,490 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 34.1% |
| Graduation rate | 33.1% | 89.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,000 ✓ | $18,500 |
| Enrollment | 33,048 | 7,055 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1473 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
William & Mary costs $9,177 more per year than Northern Virginia Community College ($19,096 vs $9,919). William & Mary graduates report $19,933 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,490 vs $53,557). On EduGradify's model that puts Northern Virginia Community College ahead on projected ROI (13.50 vs 9.62, 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, William & Mary reports 34.1% acceptance; Northern Virginia Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Northern Virginia Community College vs William & Mary, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Northern Virginia Community College or William & Mary the better value?
Northern Virginia Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.50 vs 9.62), 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 $19,096 at William & Mary. The annual difference of $9,177 adds up to about $36,708 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
William & Mary reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,490 vs $53,557 at Northern Virginia Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,933.
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; William & Mary reports B.