What Is It Known For?
Founded in 1966, Northeast State Community College has established itself as a cornerstone of education in Northeast Tennessee. The institution is well-known for its strong ties to the business community, active engagement in the community, and employment placement assistance for graduates.
As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, which oversees 40 community and technical colleges across the state, Northeast State benefits from consistent quality and resource sharing. Enrolling approximately 6,000 students each semester, Northeast State offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, enhancing its educational programs and services.
Degrees and Certifications
Northeast State offers a variety of degree and certification programs, including:
- Associate Degrees: Programs in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and various technical fields.
- Certificates: Short-term programs focused on specific skills or trades.
- Diplomas: Programs that provide specialized training in various vocational areas.
Class Schedules
To accommodate students’ requirements, Northeast State Community College provides a variety of morning, afternoon, and evening class schedules. There are options for online and hybrid learning, as well as for experiential learning via clinical programs and externships that combine academic knowledge with real-world application.
Is it Legit?
Yes. Northeast State Community College is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to grant associate degrees and certifications. This accreditation indicates that the college satisfies high quality and effectiveness requirements.
Acceptance Rate
All applicants who fulfill the prerequisites can enroll in Northeast State because of its open admissions policy. This is standard procedure for community colleges and aids in giving a diverse group of people access to educational opportunities.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance at Northeast State varies based on residency and living arrangements. For Tennessee residents living with parents, the total is estimated at $17,002, which includes tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. For those living off-campus, the cost is approximately $24,137.
Non-residents face higher costs, with totals around $30,730 for those living with parents and $37,865 for those living off-campus. For more information visit the tuition page.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Administrative Professional Business Electrical
- Finance
- Office Administration
Healthcare
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Dental Assisting
- EMT/AEMT
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nursing
- Paramedic
- Pre-Allied Health
- Surgical Technology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Machine Tool
- Aviation Maintenance
- Design Entertainment
- Electrical
- Engineering
- Machining
- Welding
Technology
- Computer Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
Campus Locations
Blountville 2425 Highway 75 PO Box 246 Blountville, TN 37617-0246
Elizabethton 386 Highway 91N Elizabethton, TN 37643
Gray 120 Dillon Court Gray, TN 37615
Kingsport 300 W. Market St. Kingsport, TN 37660
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Northeast State Community College in Blountville, TN, is highly praised for its dedicated faculty and positive campus environment, but receives notable criticism concerning the efficiency of administrative processes, particularly financial aid and disability services.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Caring and Knowledgeable Faculty: The single strongest positive theme is the quality of the instructors. Reviewers frequently describe professors as “terrific,” “inspiring,” “friendly,” and genuinely caring about students’ learning and success. Many state that the small class sizes allow for better student/professor relationships and more personalized attention.
Affordable and Great Value: Northeast State is widely seen as an affordable option compared to other regional colleges, with reviewers explicitly noting the reasonable costs for classes. The sentiment of the college motto, “We’re here to get you there,” is cited as a factual representation of the institution’s commitment.
Positive Campus Environment: The campus itself is described as a “nice,” “sweet and simple,” and “beautiful” location with friendly and welcoming staff. Reviewers mention a positive, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Strong Community Focus: The college is praised for its community involvement, with its library and outside courts being open to the public.
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid and Business Office Issues: This is a major source of negative feedback. Students report that the Financial Aid and Business offices are often “unorganized” and not helpful, with one reviewer calling the process “slow.” There are complaints of being given the “runaround” for refunds and being forced to pay large amounts out-of-pocket due to slow financial aid processing.
Inefficient Administrative/Enrollment System: Reviewers detail systemic issues with the registration and enrollment process. One student reported having their classes dropped “EVERY SINGLE SEMESTER” and needing to re-register on campus. Transfer students also report difficulties getting clear assistance from advisors.
Varied Instructor Quality: While the majority of professors are praised, a recurring theme is the variability in teaching staff, with some instructors being described as “genuinely terrible” or “awful,” suggesting an inconsistent academic experience.
Lack of Support for Disabled Students: One review explicitly warns disabled students against attending, describing the disability accommodations as a “joke” and implying the college is more focused on money than support.
Rude or Unhelpful Front Staff: Some students noted that front office staff members are often “rude,” even while acknowledging that individual staff members may be helpful.
Parking and Resource Limitations: With increased enrollment (partially due to the Tennessee Promise program), one review mentioned that parking is a major issue and that tutoring resources are “limited at best.”
Momentum
The most recent reviews (within the last few months) still highlight the positive aspects, specifically the staff’s dedication and the value of a tour, indicating the college is still viewed as a friendly and highly engaged community resource. However, older, more detailed critiques concerning the Financial Aid and Accessibility processes remain unaddressed in the latest positive feedback, suggesting that while the faculty experience is strong, the administrative hurdles may be a persistent issue for the student body.