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Northern Essex Community College

Haverhill, MA·Public·3,350 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

N/A
Accept
3,350
Students
$3,971
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$37,200
Earnings
10 yr
$5,661
Debt

About This School

Northern Essex Community College is a public institution located in Haverhill, Massachusetts with approximately 3,350 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $3,971 per year. Typical graduates earn $37,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is a public community college in Essex County, Massachusetts. The college serves residents of the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. It has campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. The college is part of the Massachusetts Higher Education system. More than 6,600 students are enrolled in 70 credit associate degree and certificate programs and another 3,400 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. The school's athletic teams are known as the Knights. Northern Essex Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

At just $3,971 per year after aid and a median debt of only $5,661 at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a credential in Massachusetts — a genuine plus for cost-conscious students. The concern worth naming: median earnings of $37,200 a decade out suggest many graduates end up in lower-wage fields, so if you have a specific career target, dig into whether NECC's programs actually align with it. Worth considering as a smart financial starting point, especially if you plan to transfer to a four-year school or enter a local workforce trade.

Founded
1961
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions34%
Business & Marketing17%
Computer Science7%
Education2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Biological Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tom Bergeron

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,472
Avg Net Price
$3,971
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$5,661

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$5,661
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$5,661
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White38%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino50%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,350 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northern Essex Community College

100 Elliott Street

Haverhill, MA 01830-2399

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Massachusetts

Browse all Massachusetts schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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