Northern Michigan University
About Northern Michigan University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Superior. It offers programs in nursing, education, business, and the sciences and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and Olympic Training Site.
Founded
1899
Location
Marquette, Michigan
Students
7,281
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
84%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
52.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$14,277
Out-of-state: $19,773
Avg Net Price
$14,085
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$47,107
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Northern Michigan University accepts the majority of applicants at 84%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
52.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
53%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
71%
$/Student
$8.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 78% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$14,277
In-State
$19,773
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,274
Books & Supplies
$720
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,841
After Financial Aid
$14,085
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,697
Receive Grants
28%
Take Loans
45.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $27,841/yr, including $13,274 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,085.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northern Michigan University fund their education.
While in School
28%
Get Grants
Free money
45.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$55,241
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,474
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,474 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northern Michigan University.
Gender
60.7%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,556
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
725
Graduates
28.5%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
14%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 28.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
6,556
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northern Michigan University fields 14 varsity teams with 556 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Lakes
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
556
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
40% / 60%
225
Men
331
Women
8
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northern Michigan Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,107
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$27K
107 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$39K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$28K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$26K
60 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$43K
60 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern Michigan University
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Michigan University?▾
How much does Northern Michigan University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northern Michigan University?▾
How much do Northern Michigan University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.