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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.
  • What Can I Do With This Major?
    Explore how NECC certificate and degree programs prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Photos: Students Honored at 2026 Awards Convocation

Photos: Students Honored at 2026 Awards Convocation

Graduating Northern Essex Community College students were honored for their achievements inside and outside the classroom at this year’s annual Awards Convocation. The May 12th ceremony was held in the Northern Essex Sport and Fitness...

Alumni Board Announces 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student Award

Alumni Board Announces 2026 Outstanding Graduating Student Award

She's an athlete, a writer, and a high honors graduate. Now, she's the latest recipient of the NECC Outstanding Graduating Student Award.

Recognition for NECC Early College Students

Recognition for NECC Early College Students

Haverhill, MA (May 14, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College recognized more than 400 graduating seniors from 20 local high schools who earned college credits through the Early College Program. The students and their families...

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 21, 2026

Student Art Show

May 22, 2026

Student Art Show

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