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$5,688Tuition
3,350Students
19%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,862Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$5,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,472
Average Net Price
$3,971
Students Receiving Financial Aid
33.1%
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$11,799
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,000
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$95/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
50.3%
Students Taking Federal Loans
8.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.1%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $1,405
$30,001 – $48,000 $3,060
$48,001 – $75,000 $4,619
$75,001 – $110,000 $9,455
$110,001+ $11,376

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,405 annually at Northern Essex, while those making over $110,000 pay the full $11,376. The college serves working-class communities in the Merrimack Valley, where nearly half the students are Hispanic and most stay in-state for affordable career training. A two-year degree costs between $2,810 and $22,752 depending on family income.

Graduates typically owe $9,000, translating to $95 monthly payments. That's manageable against median earnings of $42,862 ten years out. The 94.3% employment rate reflects strong connections to local healthcare systems and manufacturing. Only 8.37% of students take federal loans, suggesting most pay as they go or rely on employer tuition assistance.

Low-income students get the best deal here. Pell Grant recipients make up 33.14% of enrollment and face minimal out-of-pocket costs while gaining skills for immediate employment in greater Boston's job market.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Northern Essex Community College:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.