Admissions & Enrollment
NECC is a public, two-year college that offers comprehensive academic programs of study leading to the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Science degree and Certificates of program completion. NECC has an open admission policy. Applicants are required to have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (GED or HiSET).
Some programs of student have additional admissions criteria that must be met in order to be considered for admissions, and admission to these programs may be competitive due to the limited number of seats.
Information Sessions & Tours
Information Sessions are combined with a campus tour on both the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses. Haverhill campus tours depart from the One Stop Student Center and at the Lawrence campus tours depart from the El Hefni Allied Health and Technology Center. See below for days and times available and select the Sign Up to Attend button and submit the form for the Info Session & Tour of your choice.
We also meet with students on a walk in basis for advising and enrollment questions.
Becoming a Student
Apply for Admission
Complete your Application for Admission online at http://www.necc.mass.edu/getting-started/ or attend an Admission Information Session/Campus Tour and meet with an Enrollment Counselor to complete an application by visiting the Career Planning and Advising Centers on the Haverhill or Lawrence Campuses.
There is no application fee to apply to NECC. Submit a copy of your final high school transcript, diploma, or GED/HiSET (or other state approved equivalent). Submit official college transcript(s) if you plan to transfer credit to NECC.
Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Assistance is available to help you finance your education. Your first step in the Financial Aid process is to apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Your second step is to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. When completing the FAFSA online, be sure to list Northern Essex Community College in the “schools information section.” NECC’s code is 002174. Once NECC has received your FAFSA, you will be notified of any additional requirements.
TAKE the Academic Placement Assessment
All students must take the Academic Placement Assessment which measures your reading, writing, and math skills. Students with prior college credits or SAT scores may be eligible for a partial or full waiver of the assessment. For more information regarding the placement test, or time and dates it is given, visit Assessment. If you require testing accommodations or access services, students with documented disabilities are encouraged to call 978-556-3654. Students who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 978-241-7045 (Vp/voice).
Meet with an Advisor to Develop an Academic Plan and Register for Classes
No appointment is necessary to register for classes. Drop by the One-Stop Student Services Center in Haverhill or Career Planning and Advising in Lawrence and meet with an academic advisor to develop an Academic Plan before registering for courses to ensure your experience at NECC is as successful as possible. An up-to-date list of available classes can be found on the Credit Course Search Tool.