A nonprofit consortium enabling cross-registration among 11 Central Massachusetts colleges and universities.
The Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECCMA) is a nonprofit association comprising eleven public and private colleges and universities located in Central Massachusetts. Previously known as the Colleges of Worcester Consortium (COWC) until 2013, HECCMA works collaboratively to further the missions of its member institutions. The consortium is headquartered at 11 Norwich Street in Worcester, Massachusetts.
A key benefit of HECCMA membership is the cross-registration policy that allows full-time students at any member college or university to enroll in one class per semester at other Consortium schools without paying additional tuition. This arrangement facilitates academic collaboration and resource-sharing among the member institutions.
The consortium includes Assumption University, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (Tufts University), Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nichols College, Quinsigamond Community College, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Worcester State University. Former members include Atlantic Union College, Becker College, and Anna Maria College.