
North Shore Community College, located in Danvers, Massachusetts, was founded in 1965 to serve the areas from North Boston to Cape Ann, totaling 26 cities and towns. The school is one of the oldest community colleges of the state and among the largest of the 15 currently operating in the state. The school has three campuses located in Danvers, Beverly and Lynn.
NSCC serves approximately 16,000 students a year, with nearly 11,000 being full time credit students. In addition, the school serves 700,000 residents in its service area annually through workforce development and continuing education courses.
Academics
North Shore Community College offers over 100 programs of study, allowing students to choose one that best suits their academic or career goals. The completion of a program results in a certificate and associate degree, the completion of which usually taking between one and two years to complete.
Vocational-focused academic tracks provide the training and skills necessary to be able to enter the workforce as a qualified professional in their chosen field of study. Students will take general education courses on a path to earning an associate's degree. Classes in general education are typically divided between practical application and classroom courses based on the program of study. The resulting degree or certificate demonstrates competency and allows for the pursuit and procurement of employment at the entry level.
Academic programs allow students the opportunity to complete the first two years of a four year education at low cost, followed by the transfer of earned credits to a college or university to continue one's education and complete their bachelor's degree. Transfer to a public Massachusetts institution is facilitated through agreements allowing for eased admissions if certain requirements are met by the student.
Individuals may apply for transfer to out of state or private colleges and universities, though the requirements for transfer will vary from one school to another. It is recommended students form a curriculum with the help of an advisor or counselor that will provide the best chances for admission to their school or schools of choice.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
North Shore Community College is a public two year open enrollment institution. Individuals interest in enrollment will be admitted if they meet the minimum requirements for admission, and will be accepted once they have submitted an application for admission. Students are required to supply transcripts from previous schools, test scores, and take a placement exam. They are also encouraged to participate in orientation as well as meet with a counselor to determine program enrollment and curriculum.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards.
Students may be randomly chosen by the school to provide extra financial information in order to cross check the FAFSA and verify its accuracy. All aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year due to possible changes in a student's or their family's financial situation from year to year.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,500. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range:
- State Residents: $600-$720
- Out-of-State: $6,200-$7,402
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $190-$230 per unit
- Out-of-State: $420-$510 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 75% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 64% | $4,887 |
Receiving Student Loans | 21% | $4,388 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, North Shore Community College may offer student services including:
- Online classes
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often times offer both career training courses and curriculum to help students transfer out to a 4-year college or university, that is why we include how this school compares for both graduation and transfer rates against other community colleges in Essex County and community colleges in Massachusetts in total.
North Shore Community College | Essex County | Massachusetts | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 16.7% | 17.3% | 16.5% |
Transfer-out Rate | 23.0% | 20.6% | 19.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1977)
- See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Massachusetts
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 2014)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1972)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1971)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by North Shore Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Grooming (A, C)
- Horticulture (A)
- Food Science and Technology (A)
- Floriculture, Floristry Operations and Management (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Business Administration (A)
- Advertising and Marketing (A)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A)
- Executive Assistant (A)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Programming (A)
- Computer (A)
- System Networking (A, C)
- Web Design (C)
- Computer Science (A)
Construction Trades
- Lineworker (A)
Education
- Elementary Education (A)
- Teacher Assistant (TA)
- Special Education and Teaching
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (C)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician (C)
- Energy Management
- Telecommunications Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Adult Development and Aging (A)
- Developmental Services Worker (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A, C)
- Mental Health Technician (C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Dietetic Technician (A)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Reiki (C)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling (C)
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (C)
- Clinical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions (C)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health Aide
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
- Legal Administrative Assistant (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
- Culinary Arts (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (C)
Science Technology
- Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (A)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Commercial Airline Pilot (A)
- Aviation and Airway Management (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to North Shore Community College.
- Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA (17 miles away)
- Roxbury Community College in Roxbury Crossing, MA (19 miles away)
- Quincy College in Quincy, MA (24 miles away)
- Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley Hills, MA (25 miles away)
- Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH (31 miles away)