Admissions FAQs

¾º²ÊÍø students chatting in the Science Center

What degrees and certificates are available?

There are over 70 academic programs offered at ¾º²ÊÍø.

When do classes start?

Credit courses start and end based on the ¾º²ÊÍøÂ academic calendar.  Noncredit courses are offered at varying times throughout the semester.

Who can attend ¾º²ÊÍø?

Everyone! Whether you need your high school equivalency, a college degree, training for career enhancement, or courses that make your leisure time more enjoyable, you can find it at ¾º²ÊÍø. We even have courses for children.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or print a paper application and mail or deliver to the Office of Admissions on the Gardner campus.

When do I apply?

Most ¾º²ÊÍø programs are open admission, which means there is no application deadline. You can begin when it’s convenient for you.  For selective admission programs, where only a certain number of eligible students are accepted, there are certain deadlines and some additional requirements.

How much does a class cost?

Credit courses charge  Noncredit courses have , depending on the course.

Can I afford to attend ¾º²ÊÍø?

¾º²ÊÍø is probably your most affordable option, or close to it. Not only do we offer an affordable university-caliber education, you also have the opportunity to transfer to a well-known four-year college/university or directly enter the workforce. We can help you apply for financial aid, which should be done as early as possible. (You are more likely to get a better package the earlier you apply.) We also encourage you to apply for scholarships. We can also set you up on a payment plan.

If you are wondering how much college you can afford, this rule of thumb may be helpful: do not to take out a loan that exceeds your expected future annual income. For example, if you expect to earn $38,000 a year, do not take out a $60,000 college loan (MarksJarvis, 2017). You can find out how much you are likely to earn by looking up your intended career on .

¸é±ð´Ú±ð°ù±ð²Ô³¦±ð:ÌýMarksJarvis, G. (2017, September 20). How to build a rich life (Even if you aren’t a financial genius). Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from

How do I apply for financial assistance to attend college?

The Financial Aid Office can help you file the , and also to apply for the many scholarships and grants offered through the ¾º²ÊÍø Foundation. For help, contact the Financial Aid Office at 978-630-9169.

Why go to a community college when I can go right to a four-year college?

Visit our Quick Overview page for some details. All-in-all, a community college education is the most affordable way to complete your first two years of college. College credits earned here are transferable and many ¾º²ÊÍø programs are designed for students who plan to continue their education. Also, if you meet certain qualifications, you will be guaranteed admission and/or thirty-three percent off tuition at participating Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

Do I need to take any special testing for admission?

¾º²ÊÍø does not require the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for admission. After being accepted to ¾º²ÊÍø, you will be assessed to ensure that you will be placed in courses that match your academic abilities.

Must I choose a program of study before I enroll?

No, you can enroll in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, General Studies program, or enroll as a non-degree (non-matriculating) student. If, after speaking with an admissions representative, you still need help or advice in choosing a program of study or career path, contact the Advising Center at 978-630-9109.

Does ¾º²ÊÍø offer academic support services?

The Learning Success Center at ¾º²ÊÍø offers free individualized assistance in academic subjects to all students.  You are welcome to visit the office, Monday through Friday, on a drop-in basis for assistance or contact the office at 978-630-9333.  Also, the Learning Success Center offers an array of services for students with disabilities including:

  • Peer tutoring
  • Note-taking services
  • Textbook recording services
  • Testing accommodations
  • Equipment loan of tape recorders, electronic spell checkers, speaking vocabulary masters, dictionaries, thesauruses, and accounting or study skills videotapes.

Is ¾º²ÊÍø accessible for students with disabilities?

All ¾º²ÊÍø campuses are fully accessible. For more information about accessibility, visit the disability services office webpage or call 978-630-9330.