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The NECC campus at summer with students walking by, library in focus in center of frame

Start Here
Unlock Your Potential

A graphic with the words Start Here including a photo of a group of students sitting around a table outside on the Haverhill campus in summer

Enroll for Summer Session II ☀️

Our second summer session begins on June 30. Register in minutes today!
Sixty-third annual commencement titlecard

63rd Annual Commencement

Replay NECC’s 63rd Commencement Exercises and get the latest updates!
Free community college

Free Community College is Here

Eligible Massachusetts residents can say goodbye to tuition and fees!
Two students talking to each other in a classroom setting

Career Focus

Programs tailored for in-demand careers and job preparedness.

  • Credit for Prior Learning
    Work experience, military training, language fluency, and other credentials could get you closer to a college degree than you think!
  • Competency-Based Education (CBE)
    NECC is leading the way forward with CBE, putting the focus on the skills you master, versus time spent learning.
  • What Can I Do With This Major?
    Explore how NECC certificate and degree programs prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Whittier Tech and 11 Communities Unite to Launch New School Building Effort

Whittier Tech and 11 Communities Unite to Launch New School Building Effort

Haverhill, MA (June 16, 2025)– In a show of regional unity, Whittier Tech and its 11 partner communities have taken a bold step forward in reshaping the future of vocational and technical education. Monday, at...

Boston Globe: Don’t cut Pell grants for part-time students

Boston Globe: Don’t cut Pell grants for part-time students

Proposal changes to the Pell Program could threaten Massachusetts’ free community college program.

Chronicle of Higher Education: Thousands of College Students Could Soon Lose Their Pell Grants

Chronicle of Higher Education: Thousands of College Students Could Soon Lose Their Pell Grants

At Northern Essex Community College, 78 percent of the students are enrolled part-time, said Lane Glenn, the college’s president.

June is Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ & Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 💜

June 24, 2025

Info Session: Free Community College

Learn how NECC is now free to eligible Massachusetts residents!

June 25, 2025

Campus Tour and Information Session

Visit us on the Lawrence campus for an information session and a tour led by one of our admission counselors.

NECC Spotlight

Finding the Helpers

NECC Alumni answer the call to serve their communities.
NECC Business Solutions

NECC Business Solutions

From workforce education to a variety of resources, NECC can help grow your business.

Stories of Us
The stories behind
Northern Essex Students, Faculty, and Staff

Photo of Elijah Antunes, a younger male presenting person, smiling in front of a brick wall

Elijah Antunes, SGA President 2023-2024

“Student government is an organization where you can get your voice heard. Students should be motivated and inspired. If they are interested in making a change, I encourage them to get involved and be disciplined. That’s what’s going to make the world a better place.” Meet Elijah
Brian MacKenna-Rice and Lisa Fabbri-Lopez, two faculty members at NECC

Brian MacKenna-Rice & Lisa Fabbri-Lopez

“We work out in the field. And we learn that anybody can talk about this, but this is about behavior and what are you doing about it?” reflects MacKenna-Rice. “Let’s not just pretend it’s a philosophy book. Let’s understand it’s about life and human beings.” Meet Lisa & Brian
A photo of Nayeli Almanzar-Lizardo, a young, female presenting student in graduation attire holding her diploma while celebrating

Nayeli Almanzar-Lizardo

“I see a version of myself in each of my students; they inspire me every day. I remind them that everything works itself out in the end. I can’t imagine where else I’d be.” Meet Nayeli
Learn Our Stories