As tuition rates plan to rise next year at many Virginia state colleges and universities, many students are choosing a community college in our own backyard.

With 65,000 students and six campuses, Northern Virginia Community College is the second largest community college in the country because of one big reason, money.

"You save a lot of money going to NOVA." "I'm paying for school myself and it's cheaper for me to come here than to go to universities," said student, Hemin Kochany.

With many Virginia schools raising in-state tuition, which doesn't include room and board, NOVA is clearly a bargain. Of course, NOVA is different from a four-year college. There's no "living-away-from-home-in-a-dorm" experience. Two-thirds of the students are actually part-time, and there's no football team to root for.

With over 165 countries represented, NOVA still manages to find fun as well as offer a special perk. Graduates are guaranteed admission as juniors at any of Virginia's four-year universities, including UVA, and William and Mary University.

"If they designate the institution that they want to attend, and they follow the prescribed curriculum here at NOVA, and graduate, usually between a 3.0 and a 3.5, they're guaranteed admission to the institution of their choice," said NOVA President, Robert Templin. 

With 15 building projects underway and two new campuses planned, NOVA is no longer a last resort  or small ambition. 

"I'm getting my business administration from here, and then transfer to a four-year college and get my bachelor's in international business," said Savi Lee.

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