Northeast Community College (NECC)

About
Northeast Community College, located in Norfolk, Nebraska, was founded through a decision by the state legislature in 1973 to establish a comprehensive community college that offers a liberal arts education, vocational and career training, and college transfer opportunities and is the only such school in the state that offers all these opportunities through one campus. The school has a service area of 20 counties throughout the northeast of the state. Northeast Community College was formed through the merger of two previously existing institutions, Northeastern Nebraska College and Northeast Nebraska Technical College, and has taken the history and offerings of those two schools to create its own identity.

Academics
As a comprehensive community college, Northeast Community College offers a large and distinct number of programs in order to meet the needs of as many residents as possible in its service area. College transfer programs are designed to facilitate academic growth by allowing students to complete the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to complete the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree. These programs fulfill the necessary requirements, and if transferring to a public Nebraska college or university will find transfer made easier through agreements in place that ease transfer admissions. Transfer to out of state or private institutions is also possible, though each school will have its own requirements and thus it is advised that students interested in such transfer meet with a counselor to develop an appropriate curriculum.

Career programs provide training and education in a particular field that allows for entry into the workforce as a qualified professional. Students enrolled in such a program will participate in traditional classroom courses as well as practical experience building courses offered through simulated environments that allow for the practice and perfection of methods and techniques required by one's chosen field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and confer a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in bolstering employer confidence when seeking employment.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Automotive Technology
• Culinary Arts
• Criminal Justice
• Graphic Design

Admissions and Financial Aid
Northeast Community College is a public, two year,  open enrollment institution that aims to admit any individual seeking post secondary educational opportunities by having minimum requirements for enrollment, specifically being 18 years of age or older or having a high school diploma or equivalent. Interested individuals should complete the application for admission, pay all fees, supply transcripts and standardized test scores, and take the placement exam if required. Students are also encouraged to participate in new student orientation and meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine the extent of a student's needs and their aid program eligibility when constructing a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.