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Start Here
Unlock Your Potential

A graphic with the words Start Here including a photo of a group of students sitting around a table outside on the Haverhill campus in summer

Register for Fall & Summer Courses

Fall & Summer registration is open! Start here and get ahead.
Commencement 2026 titlecard

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Relive the big day, and get all the details on commencement.
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.
  • Explore Majors & Careers
    Explore how NECC certificate and degree programs prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Greater Lawrence Tech Now a Designated Early College Partner

Greater Lawrence Tech Now a Designated Early College Partner

Northern Essex Community College and Greater Lawrence Technical School are among 29 new Early College partnerships recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. “This is the largest expansion of Early College in Massachusetts history, and it...

Graduate Turned Self-Doubt into Success at Northern Essex

Graduate Turned Self-Doubt into Success at Northern Essex

When Yulissa Diaz Arias crossed the stage at Northern Essex Community College’s Commencement ceremony last month, she wasn’t just celebrating earning her degree. She was celebrating a journey marked by perseverance, personal growth and the...

Special Olympics Torch Makes Stop on Haverhill Campus

Special Olympics Torch Makes Stop on Haverhill Campus

This week, Northern Essex Community College was proud to host the Special Olympics Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR.) The NECC-MPTC Police Academy student officers joined the LETR team, local Haverhill and NECC police officers...

🏳️‍🌈 June is Pride Month

June celebrates Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQ+ community and promoting inclusivity, acceptance, and equal rights for all. It’s a time to recognize the impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and support a welcoming campus environment.

Learn more from the Library of Congress

June 10, 2026

Student Art Show

June 10, 2026

Campus Tour and Information Session

Visit us on the Lawrence campus for an information session and a tour led by one of our admission counselors.

June 10, 2026

Info Session: Free Community College

Learn how NECC is now free to eligible Massachusetts residents!

NECC Spotlight

alumnecc – Collective Impact (Spring 2026)

Creating opportunity through giving, guidance, and partnership.
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