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ADVANCE
ADVANCE gives Virginia learners a supportive path from community college to complete their bachelor’s degrees in less time for lower costs.
Program Description:
ADVANCE is a partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University that allows learners to complete their bachelor’s degrees at a reduced cost. Learners already registered in courses at NOVA are able to apply to ADVANCE and eventually transfer to George Mason University after completing their associate degrees.
Specialized curriculum ensures that no credits are wasted, and all credits transfer to a learner’s chosen degree program. ADVANCE participants are partnered with coaches, who provide support and guidance at both NOVA and George Mason.
The program aims to facilitate a seamless transition between programs. Learners who are participating in ADVANCE do not need to complete an additional application or pay an enrollment deposit to transfer to George Mason and are eligible exclusive grant opportunities, lowering both administrative and financial barriers.
Learners must be enrolled in an associate degree program at NOVA, have a high school diploma, and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for ADVANCE. Additionally, learners at NOVA are eligible to take certain courses at George Mason before officially transferring into their bachelor’s program.
Since it first began with NOVA, ADVANCE has expanded to offer similar transfer offers to learners in certain degree programs at Germanna Community College, Brightpoint Community College, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and others.
$10k
saved by learners who complete their associate degrees at NOVA
Impact:
Completing their associate degrees at NOVA before transferring to George Mason saves learners over $10,000 in tuition costs. Support coaches help ensure that learners have continuous support throughout the process and don’t get lost in the shuffle when they transfer to George Mason.
A 2025 report from the Community College Research Center and Aspen Institute highlighted that ADVANCE participants on average graduate with their bachelor’s degrees in one-and-a-half fewer semesters than other peers.
Population Served:
Community college learners in Northern Virginia, including first-generation college goers and low-income learners.
Learn more here.
Page last updated in August 2026
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