College Search
Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI · Town · 6,556 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$14,085
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
52%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
52% typical
$47,107
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$51,562 typical
84%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Situated along the shores of Lake Superior in Marquette, Northern Michigan University is renowned for its immersive natural setting and standout programs in environmental science, nursing, art and design, and its pioneering medicinal plant chemistry major. The university distinguishes itself through student-centered initiatives like a universal laptop program for all undergraduates and a campus footprint anchored by the Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden dome. Campus culture is active, friendly, and adventurous, defined by a close-knit student body that takes full advantage of four-season outdoor recreation, including trail hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Wikipedia:Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, Michigan, United States. It was established in 1899 by the Michigan Legislature as Northern State Normal School. In 1963, the state designated the school a university and gave it the current name. The university comprises five academic divisions, offering some 180 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. NMU's athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats and compete primarily in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Location
Marquette, MI, 49855-5301 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MKE · Milwaukee
251 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$14,277$19,773
Housing & food (on campus)$13,274$13,274
Books & supplies$720$720
Cost of attendance$27,841$38,546
Average net price$14,085Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$19,773
In-state: $14,277
Housing & food (on campus)$13,274
Books & supplies$720
Cost of attendance$38,546
In-state: $27,841
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $14,085
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.nmu.edu
How it’s made up · out-of-state, 2026-27
Northern Michigan University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$20,834
Books & supplies$530
Personal expenses$2,086
Transportation$528
Total published by the school$38,546
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$7,697
$30–48k
$7,185
$48–75k
$11,051
$75–110k
$16,324
$110k+
$22,268
Merit aid · 2024-25
Awarded without financial need. Students with financial need can get merit awards too; they're counted as need-based aid.
Average award$4,784
First-years who got one325
Source: Northern Michigan University's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
52%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
35%
Back for yr 2
78%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
55% graduated · 24% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 21% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$37,996
10 yrs after entry$47,107
Debt
Median at graduation$21,474
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$6k–$25.9k
90th percentile$33,000
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
84%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

Wondering if Northern Michigan University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts
How much essays count at Northern Michigan University: Not considered (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Northern Michigan University's Common Data Set for 2024-25 — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.

If Northern Michigan University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 39%Women 61%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
18 : 1
Pell grant
28%
First-gen
28%
Family income
$55,241
Independent
13%
Veterans
0%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
12%
Race & ethnicity
White
84%
Hispanic
4%
Black
2%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
1%
AI/AN
2%
Unknown
3%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's
  • Lacrosse
    Women's
  • Other Sports
    Men's · Women's
  • Skiing
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$37,996
After 10 yrs
$47,107
Biology, General107
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing89
Criminal Justice and Corrections67
Psychology, General64
Natural Resources Conservation and Research60
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas60
Business Administration, Management and Operations59
Fine and Studio Arts55
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration43
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods42
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness42
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions36
Construction Management36
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management29
Marketing29
Social Work28
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$20M
Full-time faculty
71%
Faculty salary
$9,306/mo
Teaching spend
$8,369
per student
Federal loans
46%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Northern Michigan University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search