To ensure students' success within their English, mathematics, and computer classes, The New England Institute of Art utilizes a placement assessment process to place students into classes according to their skill level. Placement assessments are completed via self-paced computerized software.

To receive an associate's degree from the College, students must complete six credits of English. Bachelor's degree students must complete nine credits of English. Unless a student has approved transfer credit from another institution at the time of enrollment, they will complete the English placement assessment. The results of these assessments are used to place students into an appropriate level English course. The first level of English placement, ENG 011, is a transitional English course that does not grant Institute-level credit (institutional credit only). This course does not fulfill the six required credits of English course work.

Similarly, all associate's degree students must complete three credits of mathematics and all bachelor's degree students must complete six credits of mathematics. Audio & Media Technology majors must complete nine credits of mathematics. Unless a student has approved transfer credit from another Institute, he or she will complete the math placement assessment. The results of these assessments are used to place students into an appropriate level math course. The first level of math placement, MAT0 11, is a transitional math course that does not grant Institute- level credit (institutional credit only). This course does not fulfill the three credit requirement of math course work.

A computer literacy placement assessment (both PC and MAC skills) is administered. The results of these assessments are used to place students into an appropriate level computer course. All placement assessments are as individualized as possible. Upon receipt of assessment scores, students will complete a narrative comment/evaluation describing previous English, mathematics, and computer skills. This narrative information, in conjunction with high school transcripts and other relevant application materials, is used to determine final course placement. Students who do not complete placement assessment are placed into an introductory or remedial-level course, some of which do not carry degree credits.