Atlantic Cape Community College vs Northern Essex Community College (NECC)

Atlantic Cape Community College and Northern Essex Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking a solid foundation for their academic and professional pursuits. While they share the common goal of providing accessible and affordable education, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Atlantic Cape, located in Mays Landing, New Jersey, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students into its academic fold. Northern Essex, situated in Haverhill, Massachusetts, stands out with its higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success and completion. Delve into the comprehensive comparison table below to explore further differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, and make an informed decision about the institution that best aligns with your educational aspirations and goals.

	Atlantic Cape Community College	Northern Essex Community College
Overview
Location	Mays Landing, New Jersey	Haverhill, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	63.0%	53.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $33,040 Out of state: $34,540	In state: $22,584 Out of state: $28,368
Average net price	$10,285	$7,753
Tuition	In state: $5,883 Out of state: $7,383	In state: $600 Out of state: $6,384
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $5,361	69.0% Average amount $4,769
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,660	13.0% Average amount $3,322
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $2,518	1.0% Average amount $6,930

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,373 Men 35.7% Women 64.3%	4,770 Men 34.4% Women 65.6%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.6%	N/A
International students	0.4%	0.9%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Jersey Pennsylvania South Carolina New York	Mississippi New Hampshire Connecticut Florida New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	21.2%	14.4%
Dropout rate	51.4%	55.5%
Transferred out	12.8%	11.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $34,003 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $30,214 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $20,812 Year 2: $19,455 Year 3: $24,443 Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $26,352 Year 2: $28,236 Year 3: N/A Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,015 Year 2: $22,578 Year 3: N/A Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,746 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $59,742 Year 2: $65,905 Year 3: $74,336 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $50,816 Year 2: $53,179 Year 3: $56,134 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $41,228 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $50,699 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $36,616 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $41,881 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,962 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $38,452 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $30,206 Year 2: $30,228 Year 3: $35,993 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,036 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $33,330 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $33,770 Year 2: $31,423 Year 3: $31,985 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,763 Year 3: $31,288 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $30,533

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC)?

Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) is located in southern New Jersey, serving Atlantic and Cape May counties, while Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is located in northeastern Massachusetts, serving the Merrimack Valley. ACCC is closer to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City, offering access to different cultural and professional opportunities compared to NECC, which is closer to Boston. They also have different tuition rates and specific program strengths, so consider your location preferences and academic goals when choosing.
Where are Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) located?

Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) is located in Mays Landing, New Jersey, with additional campuses in Atlantic City and Cape May Court House. Northern Essex Community College (NECC) has campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts. Consider which location is more convenient for you in terms of commuting and access to resources.
How do the tuition costs compare between ACCC and NECC?

Tuition costs vary depending on residency and the number of credits taken. Generally, community colleges offer more affordable tuition than four-year universities. It's best to check the official websites of both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) for the most up-to-date tuition and fees schedules. Also, explore financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans offered by each institution.
What types of academic programs are offered at ACCC and NECC?

Both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs. ACCC has notable programs in hospitality and culinary arts due to its location near Atlantic City. NECC has strong programs in healthcare, technology, and liberal arts. Review the program catalogs of both colleges to see which aligns best with your academic and career interests.
What student support services are available at ACCC and NECC?

Both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) provide comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and library resources. They also offer student activities, clubs, and organizations to enhance the college experience. Check each college's website for specific details on the services they offer and how to access them.
What are the transfer options from ACCC and NECC to four-year universities?

Both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) have articulation agreements with various four-year colleges and universities, making it easier for students to transfer and continue their education. These agreements outline which credits will transfer and what requirements need to be met. Research the transfer options available at each college and consider which four-year institutions you might be interested in attending after completing your associate degree.
What is the campus culture like at ACCC and NECC?

Campus culture can vary depending on the size and location of the college. Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) has a close-knit community feel, with a focus on student engagement and support. Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is known for its diverse student body and commitment to social justice. Visiting both campuses, attending events, and talking to current students can give you a better sense of the campus culture and which environment feels like the best fit for you.
Do ACCC and NECC offer online courses?

Yes, both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) offer a variety of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely. The availability of specific courses online may vary, so check each college's website for the most up-to-date course offerings and online learning resources.
What are the admission requirements for ACCC and NECC?

Admission requirements for both Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) are generally straightforward. Typically, you'll need to submit an application, high school transcript or GED, and possibly placement test scores. Check each college's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
How can I learn more about ACCC and NECC?

The best way to learn more about Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) and Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is to visit their websites, attend virtual or in-person information sessions, and schedule a campus tour. You can also contact the admissions offices directly with any specific questions you may have. Talking to current students and faculty can also provide valuable insights.

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