- 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 5,808 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is same as the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 57%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 5,808 students
- In-state tuition: $4,320
- Out-state tuition: $10,104
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 60%
- 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
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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 grown by 17% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Northern Essex Community College diversity score of 0.63 is less than the state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,808 students
2,106 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
1,220 students
1,039 students
# Part-Time Students
4,588 students
1,619 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
580 students
278 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,220 students
839 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
99 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,588 students
1,619 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
83 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
443 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
45%
21%
% Black
5%
15%
% White
40%
43%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
1%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
5%
9%
Diversity Score
0.63
0.74
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1865%
0.2128%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4706%
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 22% 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 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,320
$4,424
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,104
$9,401
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
75%
87%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,950
$12,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
SAT Reading
n/a
540
SAT Math
n/a
535
SAT Writing
n/a
480
ACT Composite
n/a
21
Source: 2024 (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.
Recent Articles
Why You Should Strive To Be On The Dean's List
Explore the benefits and requirements of making the Dean's List in college. This comprehensive guide outlines the prestige, career advantages, and personal growth associated with this academic honor. Learn valuable study tips and strategies to help you achieve and maintain Dean's List status throughout your college career.
How Community Colleges Are Changing Remedial Education
Remedial education exists to help struggling students succeed in college-level classes. Unfortunately, the existing model may be doing more harm than good. Keep reading to learn more about the history of remedial education and what community colleges are doing to change it.
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
