About

Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch affordable programs both online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development and community education classes, and is host to the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

Committed to Student Success

Inspiring our students to succeed is our number one priority. Our dedicated faculty and staff help our students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. With about 60 credit programs, three locations across Haverhill and Lawrence, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, we are committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

13.7

Average Class Size

67

Programs

14

Sports Teams

* Spring 2023 Data

Our Campuses

In 1958, Massachusetts Governor Foster Furloco set forth a plan to develop a system of community colleges across the Commonwealth. In the fall of 1961, Northern Essex opened its doors to 186 students in the then-former Greenleaf Elementary School on Chadwick Street in Bradford, MA. In 1971, the Haverhill campus was built upon a bucolic setting next to Kenoza Lake. The Hartleb Technology Center opened in 2005, named for the college’s third president, Dr. David F. Hartleb. In addition, the NECC Culinary Arts program features a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen located at The Heights, a mixed-use development along the Merrimack River in downtown Haverhill.

The Lawrence campus is a vibrant section in the city’s downtown, comprised of four buildings, including NECC’s newest, the El-Hefni Allied Health and Technology Building which opened in 2014.