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Start Here
Unlock Your Potential

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Register for Spring Session II

Spring Session II registration is open! Spring Session II begins Monday, March 23.
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Tickets on Sale Now

The award-winning NECC Theater production is back for a limited time.
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.
NECC Theater Earns Top Honors from Prestigious Theater Program

NECC Theater Earns Top Honors from Prestigious Theater Program

As much of the region was digging out from the biggest snowstorm in years, a group of Northern Essex Community College’s finest thespians and stage crew was loading up their recent production of “The Vagina...

Inside Higher Ed: To Avoid More Tragic Deaths, ICE Needs Higher Education and Training Standards

Inside Higher Ed: To Avoid More Tragic Deaths, ICE Needs Higher Education and Training Standards

President Lane Glenn shares how Higher Ed can play an important role in making federal immigration enforcement safer.

Lowell Sun: Lowell Native headed to Northern Essex Athletic Hall of Fame

Lowell Sun: Lowell Native headed to Northern Essex Athletic Hall of Fame

Nathan Proulx, a 2003 graduate from Lowell, MA, starred as a two-time all-region selection and 1,000-point scorer under head coach Darren Stratton.

NECC Spotlight

alumnecc Fall 2025 issue

alumnecc

NECC Alumni cultivate success in the Merrimack Valley.
Banner for The Commons, featuring an illustration of cartoon students reading books and hanging out

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