Nashua Community College’s (NCC) associate program in Data Analytics has been recognized as the seventh best Data Analytics associate degree program in the U.S. in the 2026 rankings published by TechGuide. The recognition marked the second year that NCC’s Analytics program appeared in TechGuide’s top 10 rankings. In 2024, NCC was ranked third on the annual list.
TechGuide is a national online resource that helps students and professionals learn about analytics and computer science education and careers. Its rankings are based on data from the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) via College Navigator. Key factors are evaluated, such as tuition, student-to-faculty ratios, admission and graduation rates and alumni success.
In an article announcing the top associate in Data Analytics programs for 2026, TechGuide pointed out that “the increasing demand for data-savvy professionals has prompted the development of associate degree programs that provide a solid foundation in data analytics principles.”
Analytics education teaches students how to work with raw data to process, analyze, and make conclusions using predictive modeling. NCC offers two associate degree programs – Applied Analytics and AI Pathway and Data Science and AI Pathway – as well as a certificate program in Data Analytics. The Applied Analytics Pathway is less technical for broader business applications, while the Data Science Pathway incorporates more math and computer science.
Kimberly Seefeld, professor of Mathematics and coordinator for the Analytics programs, adapted the curriculum to integrate AI into the programs. “The core goal of analytics remains the same – turning data into useful information – but we have updated techniques to harness the power and efficiency of AI automation,” she said.
Professor Seefeld works closely with an industry partner advisory board to ensure that the curriculum is relevant for workforce needs. All courses may be taken online, or as a mix of online and in-person classes. The program also accepts credit for prior learning, such as the Google Data Analytics Certificate.
“Our program opens doors for students just beginning their careers, as well as those launching a second career in the fast-growing data analytics field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 34 percent job growth rate for data scientists from 2022 to 2032, which is far higher than most other occupations"
Students who complete NCC’s Analytics programs can enter the workforce directly or apply their learning towards the Analytics and Data Science Bachelor of Science program at the University of New Hampshire or a similar program at Northeastern University. NCC has established Transfer Pathway agreements with both institutions.
“NCC’s outstanding Analytics programs equip students to enter the field directly or provide a cost-effective, flexible approach to earning advanced degrees in data analytics,” said Seefeld.
Great Bay Community College based in Portsmouth joined NCC on the 2026 list with an Analytics program ranked as the sixth best in the country
For more information about Data Analytics at Nashua Community College, visit nashuacc.edu or contact Professor Seefeld at [email protected].