- The mission of Northern Essex Community College is to serve the people of the Greater Merrimack Valley as a caring and comprehensive center of educational excellence that offers high quality, affordable adult and post secondary education through the Associate Degree level, as well as a broad range of occupational programs and community services which enhance the social, cultural and economic life of the region.
School Highlights
Northern Essex Community College serves 4,715 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is same as the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 45%.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Enrollment: 4,715 students
- In-state tuition: $4,320
- Out-state tuition: $10,104
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 46%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 498 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Northern Essex Community College
(MA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
498 staff
290 staff
Student Body
The student population of Northern Essex Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has decreased from 10:1 over five years.
The Northern Essex Community College diversity score of 0.59 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has declined by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,715 students
2,732 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
# Full-Time Students
1,474 students
1,152 students
# Part-Time Students
3,241 students
1,580 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
301 students
309 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,474 students
1,092 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
42 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,241 students
1,182 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
417 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
443 students
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
34%
16%
% Black
4%
13%
% White
54%
55%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.59
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
17%
21%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.96%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,700
$35,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,320 is less than the state average of $4,424. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,104 is more than the state average of $9,401. The out-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,320
$4,424
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,104
$9,401
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
76%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,950
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
77%
SAT Reading
n/a
540
SAT Math
n/a
535
SAT Writing
n/a
480
ACT Composite
n/a
21
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Northern Essex is located in the Merrimack Valley in northeastern Massachusetts, just a few miles from the New Hampshire border, our mission is to provide access to quality higher education at an affordable cost. We offer post secondary education through the associate degree level, including career programs in areas such as nursing and allied health, computers, criminal justice, paralegal studies, and deaf studies and dozens of transfer programs for students who want to start at Northern Essex and transfer for their junior and senior years, eventually earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Excellent facilities, solid academic support services and a dynamic student activity program are part of the educational opportunities available at Northern Essex. Flexible scheduling and the option of completing your degree or certificate at your own pace are hallmarks of a Northern Essex education. Northern Essex Community College is justifiably proud of the quality of education and services we offer to our students. Each year over 15,000 individuals study at Northern Essex either full- or part-time. We have a teaching faculty who concentrate their education, experience and effort in the classroom. When your education is completed, you will have the skills needed to join the thousands of Northern Essex graduates who have transferred successfully to baccalaureate programs, or who have become a part of the highly skilled business, industrial and professional work force for which New England is famous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Northern Essex Community College cost?
Northern Essex Community College's tuition is approximately $4,320 for In-State students and $10,104 for Out-State students.
School Calendar
View the Northern Essex Community College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last day to withdraw with a "W" for Session II classes
July 24, 2024 (Wednesday)
Last day of Session II and Session III classes before Final Exams
August 02, 2024 (Friday)
Recent Articles
Retaining Students through Innovation
Community colleges are heeding President Obama's call for student retention. Learn about the innovative programs some community campuses are creating that keep students in their classroom seats.
Community Colleges Fight Back Against For-Profit Attacks: The Rebuttal
After being attacked by private colleges, community colleges are mounting a defense and publishing studies that clearly outline the differences between the public and private institutions.
June 17, 2024
A to Z of Community College Certificates and CoursesFrom business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
