Northern Virginia Community College vs James Madison University: which has better ROI?
Northern Virginia Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $19,838 in 3.8 years versus 4.3 years at James Madison University, on median earnings of $53,557 vs $69,954 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Virginia Community College | James Madison University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,919 | $23,322 |
| Total net cost | $19,838 | $93,288 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,557 | $69,954 |
| Median debt | $11,000 | $20,093 |
| Payback | 3.8 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $84,102 | $338,592 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Virginia Community College or James Madison University?
Northern Virginia Community College, at $9,919 a year after aid versus $23,322 — a gap of $13,403 a year, or $73,450 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 James Madison University graduates earn more?
James Madison University graduates report a median $69,954 ten years after entry, $16,397 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 James Madison University?
Northern Virginia Community College: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $20,093 at James Madison University, a difference of $9,093. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at James Madison University, against 33% at Northern Virginia Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.