Northern Essex Community College: $5,688 Tuition

$5,688Tuition

3,350Students

19%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,862Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Northern Essex Community College

Northern Essex Community College serves 3,350 students in the Merrimack Valley with strong ties to local healthcare and manufacturing industries. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the diverse communities of Haverhill and Lawrence. The college has built a reputation for workforce development programs that connect directly to regional employers.

Students from low-income families pay just $1,405 after aid, making this one of the most affordable options in Massachusetts. Even middle-income families face net costs under $5,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $42,862 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay low at $9,000. The employment rate hits 94.3%, showing strong job placement success. Monthly loan payments average only $95, keeping financial stress manageable for working graduates.

Women make up 63% of enrollment, typical for community colleges focused on health sciences and human services. The Knights field nine varsity sports with 113 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Nearly 90% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 19% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Northern Essex Community College serves as an accessible gateway to higher education with nearly half its students being Hispanic and strong ties to the local workforce. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 19% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school. The college offers practical career programs including nursing, business, and liberal arts transfer tracks that feed into four-year universities. With 94.3% of graduates finding employment, the school focuses on job-ready skills rather than theoretical academics. Low-income students pay just $1,405 net price, making it one of the most affordable pathways to credentials in the Merrimack Valley.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 45.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 19.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,862

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,905
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$53,179
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$35,416
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$35,060
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,060
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$31,763
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Associate	$31,423
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$30,228
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$30,228
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$29,685

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

Haverhill sits about 35 miles north of Boston, giving students access to the city while keeping costs manageable. Nearly 90% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel. Winter temperatures drop into the 20s, so students bundle up in heavy coats from December through March. The campus doesn't offer housing, so all 3,350 students commute from home or nearby apartments.

With 63% women and nearly 50% Hispanic students, Northern Essex reflects the growing diversity of the Merrimack Valley. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students by name in most classes. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, balancing education with real-world responsibilities. The Knights compete in 9 varsity sports with 113 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Many students transfer to four-year schools after completing their associate degrees. Weekend activities center around study groups, part-time work, and family time rather than traditional college parties.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1	1
Domestic Violence	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–34°F
July Avg: 59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.0"
Annual Snowfall: 48.6"

Student Demographics

Two-thirds of students at Northern Essex are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and healthcare fields that traditionally attract female students. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse community colleges in Massachusetts. About 89% of students come from Massachusetts, showing the college serves its local Merrimack Valley community well. With 33% receiving Pell Grants, the school fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families seeking career training and transfer opportunities.

Men: 37.0%
Women: 63.0%
White: 37.6%
Black: 5.1%
Hispanic: 49.7%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 89.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.1%

Location

Northern Essex Community College sits in Haverhill, Massachusetts, about 35 miles north of Boston. The campus serves the Merrimack Valley region, an area known for its mix of former mill towns and growing suburban communities. Haverhill itself has a population of around 67,000 and offers students access to both urban amenities and New England's outdoor recreation opportunities. The location provides easy access to both Boston's job market and New Hampshire's tax-free shopping just across the state border. With 89% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local communities throughout northeastern Massachusetts. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Northern Essex Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830-2399

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,862
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,978
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 50.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Northern Essex Community College?

Northern Essex maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 3,350 students primarily from the Merrimack Valley region. Most applicants need only a high school diploma or equivalent to begin their studies.

How much does Northern Essex Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,971 annually, making it one of the most affordable college options in Massachusetts. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,405 after aid. The typical graduate leaves with only $9,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $95.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northern Essex Community College?

Classes average 18 students per faculty member, providing more personal attention than many larger institutions. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, and the campus serves a diverse population with 49.73% Hispanic enrollment.

What are employment outcomes like for Northern Essex Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.3% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on workforce development. Median earnings reach $42,862 ten years after graduation. However, only 19% of students complete their programs within six years, which is common for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

Where is Northern Essex Community College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Haverhill, a large suburban community north of Boston. The Knights compete in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 113 total athletes. Nearly 89% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere focused on local workforce needs.

Does Northern Essex Community College serve a diverse student population?

The college reflects the changing demographics of the Merrimack Valley with 49.73% Hispanic students and 37.61% white students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. This multicultural environment mirrors the region's growing Latino population and provides strong ESL and bilingual support services.