Enrollment and Admissions

Undergraduate Admission, Residential Campus

Telephone: 603.428.2223

New England College’s admission process recognizes the unique attributes of every individual. The College welcomes students who have demonstrated academic achievement, as well as those who may not have yet performed to their full potential. The College seeks students who are ready to develop strong educational values, demonstrate a desire to reach for excellence, show an appreciation for diversity, demonstrate social responsibility, possess the capability for leadership, and those who wish to become members of the global community.

New England College requires a completed high school diploma (or a school‐leaving certificate or equivalent) for matriculation into baccalaureate programs. The College suggests that a student complete at least four years of English, three years of math (up to Algebra II), three years of science (one being a lab science), and three years of social science, all in a college preparatory track. The College invites applications from both first‐time students who enroll directly after high school, and transfer students, for both the fall and spring semesters. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, which means that a decision is made approximately two weeks after an application file is completed. Although there is no specific deadline, students are encouraged to apply prior to April 1 for the subsequent fall semester and prior to December 15 for the spring semester.

How to Apply

1. Complete the New England College Application for Admission or the Common Application. Both applications can be completed online. The College has no preference on your method of application. Links to the applications may be found at http://www.nec.edu/apply/.  NEC does not charge an application fee.
2. Please mail any admission materials to:
   Office of Admission
   New England College
   98 Bridge Street
   Henniker, NH 03242‐3297
   800.521.7642 or 603.428.2223
   FAX: 603.428.3155 / Email: admission@nec.edu
   Applicants are required to have an official transcript sent to New England College by their high school. Self-reported cumulative grade point averages will be accepted to receive an admissions decision, but official transcripts are required in order to enroll.  Follow the instructions provided by your school counselor to request that your transcript be sent. Students are encouraged to submit additional recommendations from sources that highlight their academic, extracurricular, and/or personal strengths.
3. Applicants for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs are required to submit a portfolio consisting of 15-20 images of their work.  Students may upload their images into Slideroom.com, share their Instagram handle, or meet with an admission counselor for an in-person review.
4. International students will have additional admission requirements. See below in the International Students section.

Home-Schooled Students are welcome and encouraged to apply and submit a transcript and/or portfolio of academic work.

Transfer Students

In addition to the steps listed above in the “How to Apply” section, transfer students must arrange for official transcripts from all colleges attended to be sent to the New England College Office of Admission. All transcripts should be mailed to the Office of Admission.  NEC allows up to 90 credits to transfer, and all programs are open for either the fall or spring semesters.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

New England College has transfer articulation agreements with many two‐year institutions. These agreements provide that two-year college students who graduate with an associate degree and a specified grade point average will be accepted and will receive both transfer credit and advanced standing upon transfer to NEC. For a current list of schools with which NEC has transfer articulation agreements, see the website: www.nec.edu.

International Students

The following additional admission requirements pertain to international students.

1. Academic transcripts must be translated into English
2. Students whose native language is not English, must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting the results of either the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. Students with TOEFL iBT, or equivalent test score of 80 or higher are eligible for unconditional admission. Students with scores between 40 and 79, are eligible for admission contingent upon their enrollment in English as a Second or Other Language, offered here at New England College.  Students will be enrolled in the Transitional ESOL courses, which entails enrollment in the language support classes as well as LAS general education courses.

Documents required to receive an I-20

In order to be issued an I-20, students need to be admitted as full-time degree-seeking students and provide documentation showing financial support to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least one year.  Students submit:

• Copy of passport biographical page
• Proof of financial support that meets the following requirements:
  • Bank statement or letter showing bank logo
  • Dated not older than 6 months from the start of the semester of entry
  • Must be in English
  • Must show the name of the account holder
  • Must show the currency type
  • Must show the balance of liquid funds in the account/s
  • If bank statement or letter is not in the student’s name, a letter of affidavit of support is required that includes the relationship between the sponsor and the student, the student’s name, the sponsor’s name, and signed and dated by the sponsor.  A fillable affidavit letter is available at nec.edu/international.

Standardized Tests

New England College is testing-optional for admission which means that standardized tests such as the SAT or the ACT are not required. Students who wish to submit their scores as part of their application may do so. The New England College code for the SAT is 3657, and for the ACT it is 2513.

NEC‐Plus Students

Adult students who are applying for entry into New England College’s undergraduate bachelor programs may be eligible for the NEC Plus program if they are at least 25 years of age OR one or more of the following: married, have legal dependents other than a spouse, and have not been enrolled at New England College in the past four years. All NEC Plus students take courses along with the traditional undergraduate students at NEC. This discounted program offers courses at a much lower rate than the regular undergraduate programs at NEC. Students admitted to NEC Plus may take courses during the day or in the evening (limited), and may attend full‐ or part‐time. There are only a few restrictions to this program:

1. Regular full‐time students are given first priority in course selection.
2. Access to academic advising, support, and tutoring is limited; full‐time traditional students are given first priority.

NEC Plus students are eligible for federal and state financial aid programs, provided they are enrolled at least half‐time. The College does not award institutional scholarships or grants to NEC Plus students. Applicants to the NEC Plus program must apply for admission as all specified above. To speak with an admission counselor, contact the Office of Admission by phone at 603-428-2223.

Administrative Policy Concerning English as Second or Other Language

NEC offers a multi‐level program for English language learners, which enables students to enhance communication and comprehension skills while earning college credits as proficiency develops. Our ESL Program is open to students with low‐intermediate to intermediate level English proficiency who have met admission standards with the exception of English proficiency.

All applicants must apply for admission and submit documentation as specified above. The ESOL program runs parallel with undergraduate and graduate academic terms. When a student achieves a satisfactory level of English proficiency, s/he will be permitted to enroll in the full academic degree program. Transition to a degree program is a gradual process over one to four semesters; students are eligible to earn college credits throughout the support program.  Students may begin the ESOL program either in late August or mid‐January.

1. Any student whose first language is not English must submit an approved English proficiency test including the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DuoLingo English test or equivalent examination.
2. A student who scores 80 or higher on the TOEFL iBT, or its equivalent, will be unconditionally accepted to New England College.
3. Students who score between 40-79 on the TOEFL iBT or its equivalent may be conditionally accepted to New England College. This acceptance is contingent upon completion of the English as a Second or Other Language program.

Students not meeting any or all of the above criteria may petition the Academic Standards Committee for an exception to the policy.

Deposit Policy

An accepted student is asked to submit a $100 enrollment deposit to guarantee a place in the entering class, register for courses, and receive a housing assignment. This deposit is fully refundable until May 1 for students entering in the fall semester or December 15 for students entering in the spring semester. Upon enrollment,  the deposit is applied to the first semester’s charges.

Readmission

Students who seek readmission to New England College must apply through the Academic Advising Office. They must submit transcripts from any college or university attended since leaving New England College. Students will normally be readmitted under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission. In the case of active duty service members whose attendance was interrupted by military service, FSA Guidelines related to readmission of service members are followed.

Visiting Campus

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit New England College in Henniker to experience the personal nature of campus life, the beautiful natural environment of the Henniker campus. Every visit includes a guided campus tour, the opportunity to meet with an admission counselor and a financial aid counselor. We also routinely arrange for students to sit in on one or more classes, meet with the professor and/or coach, and enjoy a meal in the Dining Hall. Events are held throughout the year. To visit to the campus, contact the Office of Admission at 603-428-2223 or 800.521.7642, extension 2223 or admission@nec.edu. Visits may be scheduled online at www.nec.edu/visit.

Joint Degree Programs

New England College/New York Law School 3+3 Program

Students who meet specific admission criteria may opt for an accelerated program that allows them to complete their bachelor’s degree from New England College and their Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School within a six‐year period. Entrance to the joint degree program may occur at one of several points, based upon the applicant’s background, achievement, and demonstrated academic potential, with appropriate criteria specified for each potential point of entry. Entering New England College freshmen who apply for this program must have a combined SAT score of at least 1200 and a weighted grade point average of at least 3.4 achieved in a rigorous high school curriculum. For the student who has completed the first year of study at New England College, admission to the program is likely if the student has a minimum combined (math and verbal) SAT score of 1100 and a cumulative NEC grade point average of at least 3.5. Students who have completed the junior year at NEC and entering transfer students may also be eligible for admission to NYLS, provided they meet specific admission criteria. Students must maintain an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better to maintain eligibility in the joint degree program. Additional details regarding this program and the application process may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admission.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Programs

MCPHS allows for up to five qualified NEC students to transfer into either the physician assistants’ (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) or pharmacy program (Doctor of Pharmacy), and seven qualified NEC students to transfer into the nursing (Post-baccalaureate Bachelors of Science in Nursing) program. Students must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA in the prerequisite coursework at NEC (see requirements for professional tracks under Biology  and Health Science  major) and receive a pre‐admission interview from MCPHS. Students must declare their intentions to transfer into one of the MCPHS programs by January of their fourth year at NEC.

Additionally, NEC has an accelerated pathway to a dual degree program with MCPHS that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from NEC and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MCPHS.  Students would begin their accelerated path at NEC and complete most of the Health Science major in 6 semesters then move to MCPHS for their accelerated nursing program.  This is similar to the Post-Baccalaureate Bachelors of Science in Nursing path but done without the fourth year at NEC.  For more information, please contact Dr. Debra Dunlop (ddunlop@nec.edu).

Undergraduate Admission, Online and Continuing Education

Applicants must demonstrate readiness to succeed in a challenging academic curriculum. For students without previous college credit from a regionally accredited institution, the high school transcript from a regionally accredited, nationally accredited, or state-approved High School is the most important element of the application. While no minimum grade point average, class rank or standardized test score is specified, one or more of these measures must indicate a readiness for college studies in a chosen academic program. 

Any student with a regionally accredited, nationally accredited, or state‐approved High School diploma or a high school equivalency (GED) may apply. The college will also consider students with a High School certificate of completion. An official high school transcript or General Education Diploma (GED) is required for students who are applying with less than 6 transferable college credits from a regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent, as determined by the Registrar). Students must take a minimum of the last 16 of the required credit hours with the college in order to graduate with an Associate’s degree, and 30 of the required credit hours with the college in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

How to Apply

There is no application fee.

• Complete an online application.
• Request that official transcripts from all previously attended schools, official records for military credit, and any international documents be sent to New England College. New England College does not place emphasis on standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and therefore does not require them for admission. An official high school transcript or General Education Diploma (GED) is required for students who are applying with less than 6 transferable college credits from a regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent, as determined by the Registrar).
• Students may take up to two (2) seven-week sessions before having to be fully admitted if certain requirements are met. Speak with your admission counselor/enrollment advisor for more information. Only fully admitted students are eligible for federal financial aid. If financial aid is necessary, you must complete the full application process.
• Active or veteran members of the military who wish to be eligible for transfer credit from their military service must submit an official Joint Service Transcript (JST) or other official transcript from their military education. Please see the Additional Instructions for Veterans section for transcript and educational benefits information.

International Students

International applicants to undergraduate degree programs must have the equivalent of a U.S. High School diploma. This official transcript is required for students who are applying with less than 6 transferable college credits from a regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent, as determined by the Registrar). All international students are encouraged to use a credentialing organization such as WES or ECE. In addition, students must demonstrate academic proficiency in the language of instruction through either a language proficiency exam or by having an earned degree in the language of instruction. Note: Online programs do not support FI visas. International students applying for online programs should refer to general online application procedures.

International Application Materials

• Completed application form
• Copy of Passport
• Declaration of Finances
• English Language Proficiency Score; for minimum accepted scores, please see below
• Provisional Certificate and Consolidated Marks (preferably evaluated by a credential organization)
• A copy of proof of citizenship, if applicable
• Official High School transcript with date of graduation. Transcript must contain subjects studied, marks or grades awarded and grading scale with minimum marks. This requirement may be waived for students who are applying with six or more transferable college credits from a regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent, as determined by the Registrar)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Year‐by‐year records must be sent directly to the College from the issuing institution to be considered official.

Proof of Citizenship

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens, but are residing in the U.S., must provide a copy of a U.S. Visa or permanent resident card.

New England College does not assist online students in obtaining a F‐1 student VISA. Students under a current and valid F‐1 VISA or I‐20 from another school are permitted to take courses as Special Student only. Per INS and SEVIS regulations they are not permitted to take more than 1 online course per term. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain their status with the INS and their host institution.

Please note the following Visa types may not take classes in the U.S.:

International candidates must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following:

• Student was born in the United States or is a Naturalized Citizen
• Student is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language.
• Student graduated from a regionally accredited or state‐approved US high school/GED
• Student earned a college degree (associates or better) from a United States college or university. If the coursework was completed at a non‐regionally accredited institution, the applicant must provide a copy of that transcript as proof to waive this requirement.
• Successfully completed a total of 20 semester hours at a regionally accredited mainland U.S. college or university including three semester hours of English.
• Test of English Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Minimum score of 80, internet based
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Minimum score of 6.5
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
  • Minimum score of 65
• Duolingo English Test
  • Minimum score of 105
• Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP)
• Japanese students must pass the Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency at the Grade 1 or Grade Pre‐1 level
• Cambridge Examination, CAE‐C through CAE‐C
• SATII: ELPT
  • Minimum score of 940

Deferred Applications and Readmission

Applications to undergraduate programs for online programs are saved for one year. Deferred applications are valid for one year. After this time, you will be required to reapply and resubmit all required support documentation. International students who defer more than 1 term may be required to submit updated documentation.

Students who seek readmission to their New England College undergraduate degree program must reapply through Graduate Admissions after they have been absent for two years. Students must submit transcripts from any college or university attended since leaving New England College. Students will normally be readmitted under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission. In the case of active duty service members whose attendance was interrupted by military service, FSA Guidelines related to readmission of service members are followed.

Additional Instructions for Veterans and Active Military

In keeping with the founding mission of the College, NEC welcomes students with military service (all branches: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard and Reserves), providing substantial financial assistance and support services. Updated information on this military and veteran educational benefits program is posted on our website at www.nec.edu. Each semester, military identified students are offered priority registration for on campus registration.

Veteran applicants (or dependents of a Veteran) should submit a copy of DD-214, Certificate of Eligibility (or DD2384 for Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, MGIB-SR) for verification of eligibility for veteran educational benefits. Applications for veteran benefits may be obtained directly from the VA by visiting www.benefits.va.gov. In addition to the steps listed above in the “How to Apply” section, you must arrange for transcripts to be sent to New England College. Military transcript requests (JST, SMART, AARTS, CCAF, etc.) for various branches may be made through the ACE link here: www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Request-Transcripts.aspx. JSTs may be requested directly through this site: jst.doded.mil/jst/.

For more information, veterans are encouraged to visit www.nec.edu, and type “veterans” in the search bar in the upper right hand corner of the home page.

New England College meets or exceeds requirements of the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU) regarding the recruitment and enrollment of active duty service members. In particular, New England College does not provide commission or bonus payments to anyone involved with recruitment, enrollment, or awarding of financial assistance. Further, NEC recruiters do not make multiple unsolicited contacts, or engage in same-day recruitment and registration tactics for the purpose of securing service member enrollments.

Non-Degree Special Students

Special students are students who wish to take courses with New England College without admission into a degree program. Students may wish to do this for a variety of reasons, including:

• Students attending and planning to graduate from another college or university but wish to spend a term or more at New England College;
• Students needing to take additional undergraduate credits in order to meet graduate program pre-requisites or professional continuing education requirements;
• Students wanting to take courses for personal or professional enrichment;
• High School students taking courses under a dual credit agreement;

Special students may take any course for which they meet the prerequisites (proof of eligibility may be required). Students who wish to pursue a degree and exceed 16 credits are encouraged to matriculate. Special students interested in graduate courses require permission of the program director.

To take courses as a non-degree special student, contact the Registrar’s Office registrarsoffice@nec.edu or 603-428-2203.

Financial aid is not available for special students.

Tuition information is available through the Student Financial Services Office. Payment is due the Friday prior to the term start and may be made by credit card, check, or money order, payable to New England College. Check or credit card payments may be made online in the MyNEC portal or by calling 603.428.2226. Check or check or money order payments may be mailed to:

Student Financial Services
New England College
98 Bridge St.
Henniker, NH 03242

Graduate Admission

Professional training and advanced academic experience is important when building a career, earning a positive reputation, and enriching your life. The Graduate and Professional Studies programs at New England College provide learning experiences in a variety of fields and specialties. We understand everyone has different learning styles and schedules, so our programs are built to be versatile, comprehensive, and enjoyable on campus, online, hybrid, or at one of our off-campus instructional locations. Expert faculty, real world experience, and proven curricula make our educational engagement rich. Whether you are a working professional, recent graduate, career‐changer, or someone seeking a more thorough knowledge in your field, we believe New England College is where you belong.

NEC graduates are eligible for a graduate discount of up to 25% when applying to many degree programs.  Information can be found at http://www.nec.edu/admission/ or by sending an email to graduateadmission@nec.edu.