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Start Here
Unlock Your Potential

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Register for Fall & Summer Courses

Fall & Summer registration is open! Start here and get ahead.
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NECC 64th Annual Commencement

Get the latest information on Commencement, Saturday, May 16!
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.
Psychology Graduate Found Community Through the PACE Program

Psychology Graduate Found Community Through the PACE Program

For psychology major Izaiah Igartua Rivera, coming to Northern Essex Community College following high school felt like a natural next step. His older sisters attended NECC before continuing their education, and the Haverhill native saw...

How One NECC Student Found His Calling in Nursing

How One NECC Student Found His Calling in Nursing

In recognition of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), NECC is proud to spotlight the students, faculty, and healthcare professional who make up the backbone of our nursing program. The following article highlights the personal journey...

NECC is First MA Community College to Offer New X-ray Operator Program

NECC is First MA Community College to Offer New X-ray Operator Program

Haverhill and Lawrence, MA (May 1, 2026) — The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has just approved a new certificate program at Northern Essex Community College to address a critical need in the local healthcare industry. This...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing, and encourages awareness, support, and access to care for students and communities. Learn more from the American College Health Association.

May 8, 2026

Student Art Show

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