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Start Here
Unlock Your Potential

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Register for Summer Courses

Summer registration is open! Start here and get ahead.
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Lawrence Open House – Tue, April 14

Come see why we're the smart choice to start your higher ed journey.
Free community college

Free Community College is Here

Eligible Massachusetts residents can say goodbye to tuition and fees!
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Career Focus

Programs tailored for in-demand careers and job preparedness.

  • Credit for Prior Learning
    Work experience, military training, language fluency, and other credentials could get you closer to a college degree than you think!
  • Competency-Based Education (CBE)
    NECC is leading the way forward with CBE, putting the focus on the skills you master, versus time spent learning.
  • What Can I Do With This Major?
    Explore how NECC certificate and degree programs prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Student Journalists Win Three Regional Awards

Student Journalists Win Three Regional Awards

Haverhill, MA (March 31, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College student journalists from the NECC Observer recently won three awards from The New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) in the college division of the...

NECC Announces Plans for 2026 Commencement

NECC Announces Plans for 2026 Commencement

Haverhill, MA (March 30, 2026)– Planning for the 64th annual Commencement Ceremony at Northern Essex Community College is underway. The event will be held on the Haverhill Campus on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m....

Now on Display: Repurposed—Beginning with What Remains

Now on Display: Repurposed—Beginning with What Remains

Haverhill, MA (March 30, 2026) — Installation is complete on the newest exhibition in the Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace on the Haverhill Campus of Northern Essex Community College. Repurposed—Beginning with What Remains explores repurposing as both a creative practice...

NECC Spotlight

alumnecc Fall 2025 issue

alumnecc

NECC Alumni cultivate success in the Merrimack Valley.
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The Commons

The Commons is student gathering space designed to help you connect, recharge, and thrive. Find us at both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses!

Stories of Us
The stories behind
Northern Essex Students, Faculty, and Staff

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Pedro Rentas, SGA President ’24-25

“More than 47% in our community college are Hispanic students, the majority are from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and now the president is also Dominican. This is a door that now is open for more people like me to continue an inclusive and diverse environment.” Meet Pedro
Brian MacKenna-Rice and Lisa Fabbri-Lopez, two faculty members at NECC

Brian MacKenna-Rice & Lisa Fabbri-Lopez

“We work out in the field. And we learn that anybody can talk about this, but this is about behavior and what are you doing about it?” reflects MacKenna-Rice. “Let’s not just pretend it’s a philosophy book. Let’s understand it’s about life and human beings.” Meet Lisa & Brian
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Caitlin Little, ’25-26 Newman Civic Fellow

“As a Newman Civic Fellow, I look forward to growing within a network of changemakers— sharing strategies, amplifying each other’s work, and continuing to ask hard questions about justice, power, and possibility. I want to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just open doors but holds them open for others.” Meet Caitlin
Learn Our Stories