Veteran and Military Services

NECC has staff and on-campus space dedicated to supporting the academic success of U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their eligible beneficiaries.

All of our degree and certificate programs are approved for VA education benefits. 

Here’s How We Can Help

• Explaining/deciphering your educational benefits
• Assisting with your NECC application and assessment
• Determining and awarding prior credit
• Connecting you with community resources that can help with counseling, housing, transportation, and more.
• Helping with the transition and transfer of credits to a four-year college or university

Engage in Learning and Campus Life

In addition to participating in all of the extra-curricular activities available to every student, we also offer several organizations and events exclusive to veterans, such as:

• Student Veterans of America at NECC
• Veteran and military appreciation events, including special recognition at graduation
• Recognition during sporting events
• Special dining events

Yellow Ribbon Program

 At NECC, we honor the service to our country of veterans and are committed to supporting our military, veterans and their families in meeting their educational goals. NECC proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending financial assistance for out-of-of -state tuition and fees that are not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. If you are a veteran or dependent who qualifies at the 100% eligibility under the Post-9/11®, you may be eligible for this additional support. 

To find out more information about the Yellow Ribbon benefits and eligibility, please contact the NECC Veterans Coordinator at veteransservices@necc.mass.edu. 

For further details and eligibility requirements of the Yellow Ribbon Program, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs official website. 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

VETERANS’ ACCESS, LIVELIHOOD, OPPORTUNITY, AND RESOURCES (VALOR ACT) EVALUATION OF CREDITS

Students who have served in any of the military branches of the United States Armed Forces, regardless of active duty or reserve status, may request credit for military training, experiences, and coursework in accordance with the requirements of the VALOR Act.

Northern Essex Community College uses the American Council on Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services as the primary method for the evaluation and awarding of academic credit for military occupation, training, experiences and coursework. Other evaluation methods such as, College Level Exam Program (CLEP), DSST subject exams, or Challenge Exams, or portfolio reviews will also be used.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ and Department of Defense’s Joint Service Transcript websites states that the Air Force does not provide American Council on Education Transcripts. Current members and veterans of the Air Force will need to contact the Community College of the Air Force, or the Veterans Coordinator for information about transfer credit.

The primary contact for all questions related to credits and the VALOR Act should be directed to Alfred Denesowicz, Special Programs Coordinator at adenesowicz@necc.mass.edu

If awarded credits qualify to be included in the Mass Transfer Block, they will be used to meet the requirements of the Mass Transfer Block for all veterans who complete the block. For more information about the Mass Transfer Block, contact advising@necc.mass.edu.