North Shore Community College: $5,352 Tuition

$5,352Tuition

4,055Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,391Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College serves as a launching pad for students across northeastern Massachusetts who need affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate career training. With 4,055 students on its suburban Danvers campus, the college has built a reputation for practical programs that get graduates into the workforce quickly. The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 35% Hispanic students and 10% Black students among the enrollment. Nearly all students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious students. After financial aid, students typically pay around $7,321 annually, though those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,087. Graduates earn a median of $45,391 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,000 in debt with monthly payments of $95. The math works strongly in students' favor, especially considering the low debt burden compared to earnings potential.

Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in health sciences and social services programs. The 17.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. An impressive 94.2% employment rate shows that graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields.

Academics & Faculty

North Shore Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in northeastern Massachusetts. The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for academic support. However, the 17.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including part-time enrollment and work obligations. The school specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities, along with career-focused training in fields like nursing, business, and automotive technology. With 97.7% of students coming from Massachusetts, the college primarily serves local residents looking to complete prerequisites or earn professional certificates before entering the workforce.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,391

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Fire Protection.	Associate	$79,450
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,937
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$59,124
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$52,607
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$49,625
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$46,087
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$36,848
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$36,726
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$36,668
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$33,993

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Students navigate North Shore's sprawling campus in Danvers, about 25 miles north of Boston. Winter coats are essential from November through March as temperatures regularly drop below freezing. The 4,055 students commute daily since no campus housing exists. Nearly 98% come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit local community feel.

The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller classes. Women make up 64% of enrollment, and 35% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse North Shore region. Students often grab coffee between classes at the campus center or study in the library's quiet corners. Weekends see many students working part-time jobs or transferring credits they've earned to four-year universities. The campus buzzes during weekdays but empties by evening as commuter students head home to nearby towns like Lynn, Salem, and Beverly. Snow days occasionally cancel classes, giving students unexpected breaks during harsh New England winters.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	2	0
Stalking	2	0	0
Fondling	0	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–34°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

North Shore draws overwhelmingly from Massachusetts, with 98% of students staying close to home for affordable education. The student body skews heavily female at nearly two-thirds, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract women. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's role serving working-class families in the North Shore region. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing degrees or certificates that lead directly to local employment opportunities.

Men: 35.9%
Women: 64.1%
White: 38.4%
Black: 9.7%
Hispanic: 35.2%
Asian: 4.7%
In-State Students: 97.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.2%

Location

North Shore Community College sits in Danvers, Massachusetts, about 20 miles north of Boston. The suburban campus serves a diverse student body where 35% of students are Hispanic and 38% are White. Danvers offers the quintessential New England small town experience with historic sites and tree-lined streets. The North Shore region is famous for its proximity to Salem's witch trial history and scenic coastal communities. Nearly 98% of students come from Massachusetts, reflecting the college's strong ties to local communities. The area provides easy access to both Boston's urban opportunities and the region's historic seacoast towns. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare North Shore Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Danvers, Massachusetts 01923-0840

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,391
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,378
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment at North Shore Community College?

North Shore Community College serves 4,055 students in the greater Boston area. The college draws almost exclusively from Massachusetts, with 97.70% of students coming from in-state. Women make up 64.14% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in health sciences and social services.

How much does North Shore Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,321 annually at North Shore Community College. In-state tuition starts at $5,352, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Massachusetts. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,087 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Shore Community College?

North Shore Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce development. Faculty work closely with students to help them either transfer to four-year universities or enter the job market directly.

What are the employment outcomes at North Shore Community College?

Graduates achieve a 94.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $45,391, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical career training. However, only 17.70% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

Where is North Shore Community College located?

The college sits in Danvers, Massachusetts, in a large suburban setting north of Boston. Founded in 1965, it has served the North Shore region for nearly six decades. The location provides easy access to both urban internship opportunities and the region's growing healthcare and technology sectors.

How diverse is the student body at North Shore Community College?

North Shore Community College reflects the changing demographics of northeastern Massachusetts, with 38.40% White students and 35.17% Hispanic students. Black students comprise 9.74% of enrollment, while Asian students make up 4.73%. This diversity mirrors the immigrant communities that have made the North Shore their home over recent decades.