At $3,971/yr net price, Northern Essex Community College graduates earn $42,862/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,862/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,971 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,884 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,862/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,862/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,405/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,060/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,619/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,455/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,376/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,905 | $15,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $53,179 | $13,723 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $35,416 | $8,505 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 | $11,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | $8,275 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $31,763 | $5,600 |
| 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 | $11,875 |
The Risk Factor
19.0% of students at Northern Essex Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northern Essex Community College keeps costs low and debt lower, which makes the math work even when earnings stay modest. You borrow around $9,000 to graduate, and you exit into median pay in the low $40,000s. That's a manageable trade for most families, but the payoff depends heavily on which associate degree you pick.
Nursing is the clear winner here. The Registered Nursing associate degree pays roughly $66,000 ten years out, about $30,000 more per year than the business, accounting, and management programs that cluster together in the mid-$30,000s. You carry more debt for nursing (around $15,750), but the earnings gap pays that back fast. Allied Health lands in the middle near $53,000. If you enroll for a general business or management associate, expect earnings barely above the school's overall median and a weaker return on your time.
The real risk at this school is finishing. The graduation rate sits at 19%, so the biggest financial danger isn't debt or price , it's paying for credits, dropping out, and leaving with no credential to raise your pay. Low cost only helps if you cross the finish line.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $1,405 a year. between $75,000 and $110,000, that jumps to roughly $9,455, and above $110,000 to over $11,000. The bump between the $48-75k and $75-110k tiers is the steepest , plan for that if you sit near the line.
This is a strong financial fit if you're targeting nursing or allied health and can commit to graduating, especially at a lower income. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree program or expect the general business track to pay off on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Essex Community College worth the money?
Northern Essex Community College offers good value with a low net price of $3,971 per year and modest debt levels around $9,000. However, the 19% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Northern Essex Community College?
Nursing programs at Northern Essex Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $65,905 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $53,179, while business programs typically lead to lower earnings around $35,000.
How much debt do Northern Essex Community College graduates have?
Northern Essex Community College graduates typically leave with about $9,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost helps keep debt levels reasonable even for students who need loans.
What is the job market like for Northern Essex Community College graduates?
Northern Essex Community College graduates earn a median of $42,862 ten years after enrollment. Nursing and healthcare graduates see much higher earnings, while business program graduates typically earn below the school average.