Northern Virginia Community College vs Galen Health Institutes-Richmond: which has better ROI?
Galen Health Institutes-Richmond has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $47,686 in 3.6 years versus 3.8 years at Northern Virginia Community College, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $53,557 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Virginia Community College | Galen Health Institutes-Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,919 | $23,843 |
| Total net cost | $19,838 | $47,686 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,557 | $61,480 |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $24,166 |
| Payback | 3.8 yrs | 3.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $84,102 | $214,714 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Virginia Community College or Galen Health Institutes-Richmond?
Northern Virginia Community College, at $9,919 a year after aid versus $23,843 — a gap of $13,924 a year, or $27,848 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northern Virginia Community College or Galen Health Institutes-Richmond graduates earn more?
Galen Health Institutes-Richmond graduates report a median $61,480 ten years after entry, $7,923 more than the $53,557 at Northern Virginia Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Northern Virginia Community College or Galen Health Institutes-Richmond?
Northern Virginia Community College: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Richmond, a difference of $13,166. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.