Northern Essex Community College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Northern Essex’s $600 in-state tuition is the standout number, but the 56% freshman retention rate is the one to plan around. Because the school is test-optional, you do not need an SAT or ACT score to open the door, but a strong target score can help you check that your math and reading are college-ready before you enroll.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northern Essex Community College facts and stats
Northern Essex Community College enrolls about 4,719 undergraduate students in a suburban campus setting. Northern Essex has a freshman retention rate of 56%. Its size and setting may appeal to students looking for a community college experience outside a dense urban environment.
Haverhill, MA

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Key Northern Essex Community College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
April 23
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to Northern Essex, plan your first test by spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus a fall senior-year date for retakes and possible superscoring. The April 23 financial aid priority deadline is not a test-score deadline, so do not base your SAT/ACT schedule on it.
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What you'll actually pay
Northern Essex is a public college with in-state tuition of $600 and out-of-state tuition of $6,384. To be considered for aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the April 23 priority deadline.

At Northern Essex Community College, out-of-state tuition is $6,384, while in-state tuition is $600. Because it is a public community college, actual costs can vary based on tuition category, fees, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Students should also factor in financial aid eligibility, which can lower the amount paid out of pocket.
Student life at Northern Essex Community College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Cambridge College Global
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Springfield, MAAcceptance rate: 99.6%
Amherst College
Amherst, MAAcceptance rate: 9%
SAT: 1500–1560
ACT: 33–35
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MAAcceptance rate: 50.1%
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