The reasons for attending Northern Essex are as varied and diverse as the students themselves. NECC students come from a variety of backgrounds, and have a variety of career and life goals. With more than 70 degree and certificate programs, strong support services, and a vibrant college community, NECC offers something for everyone. We’ve chosen six great stories here, with six great reasons to choose NECC:

Savings | Support | Transfer | Flexibility | Career Training | Experience

1. Save thousands of dollars

Kevin came to Northern Essex because it was affordable. He stayed because it gave him confidence. An average high school student, he says, he suffered from low self esteem and an even lower bank account. Self supporting, affordability was as important to him as a quality education. NECC offered both. “I’m glad I came here first….Northern Essex is a great place to start and it is a great school with a great price. I know I don’t regret it.”

2. Start at NECC and transfer

Born and raised in the Bronx, Alex then arrived in Haverhill during his senior year of high school. After several false starts at Northern Essex, he got serious and in 2008 enrolled in the business transfer program. Alex graduated with honors in the spring of 2011 and transferred to UMass Lowell where he is working on a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus on entrepreneurship. Eventually he hopes to return to New York and enter the music industry.

3. Train for a new career

Although she had a bachelor’s degree, Merrill Thompson was finding it hard to find a job without work experience. She turned to Northern Essex looking for a program that would give her the skills to enter the job market quickly. Intrigued by the dental assisting program, and the fact that she could complete it in one year, she enrolled. As a result of her first practicum, she was offered a job almost immediately. “I absolutely loved the program. It was an awesome experience.”

4. Balance school and life

A full-time job and responsibility for supporting a family of three didn’t stop Franklin Burgos from earning a college degree. Raised in the foster system, Franklin Burgos admits to having a hard time growing up. In 2008, after earning his GED, Franklin enrolled in the criminal justice program at Northern Essex, where he earned high honors. In May, Franklin graduated from NECC and is now majoring in criminal justice and psychology at UMass Lowell, and plans on becoming a criminal investigator for the Department of Children and Families.

5. Get help from support services

Although Lisa Sanborn struggled with school for as long as she can remember, she always wanted to earn a college degree. Testing revealed she had a host of neurological issues including ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia, all of which contributed to her learning issues. Armed with this new information, she enrolled at Northern Essex and began working with the college’s Learning Accommodations Center. Lisa, an illustration major, now receives support services that make college possible, and plans to graduate with her associate degree this spring.

6. Experience college life

When Eva Caraballo enrolled in Northern Essex after graduating from Lawrence High School in 2009, she wanted to experience the rich college life. She took advantage of services offered by Pathways for Academic and Career Excellence (PACE); she was a Presidential Scholar; a work-study student with the Student Outreach Squad; and a member of the Student Leadership Program, the Alpha Beta Gamma Society, and the Tertulia Club. In May she graduates with an associate degree in business management as well as a Medical Office Assistant Certificate.

Let NECC help you achieve your goals

Call 978-556-3700 today to discuss the countless opportunities at Northern Essex, or take the first step and enroll online.

Northern Essex offers over 70 associate degrees and certificates in a wide variety of program areas. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, have diverse goals, and diverse needs. We offer a range of solutions to meet these needs, including low tuition, financial aid, scholarships, flexible scheduling, student employment, payment plans, veteran’s benefits, and much more.

Call 978-556-3700 to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable Academic Advisors and learn what options are available for you at Northern Essex.