Northern Michigan University was established in 1899 in the small town of Marquette in Michigan. It had started off as Northern State Normal School with a few students and teachers to give access to higher education for local students. Today, it is one of the most popular universities in the area with over 7,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Its faculty of 300 plus recognized professionals aim to inculcate modern knowledge and leadership among its students.

Programs offered at Northern Michigan University include over 170-degree programs and has grown its popularity in recent years through award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives, and nationally recognized academic programs. All these factors have contributed to its global reputation, hence attracting many overseas students to study in the US.

Nearly 7,600 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in the university. One of the reputed institutes in the US Higher Education System, NMU has 300-plus full-time faculty members who have doctorates or the highest degree in their fields.

Northern Michigan University Ranking

As per US News and World Report rankings,

  • Northern Michigan University has been ranked in the top 15 public schools in Midwest USA.
  • It has been ranked as #76 in the best regional universities in Midwest USA.
  • NMU is ranked at #49 in the Top 50 Best Colleges for Veterans.
  • Its academic programs and quality of education have been ranked as #59 in the Best Value schools in the USA.
  • It is also one of the top performers in Social Mobility. 
  • Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice s ranked 99th by US News & World Report Rank

Highlights

Established 1899
Location Marquette, Michigan, USA
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
School type Public
Campus Area 360 acres
Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Undergraduate Degrees 170
Graduate Degrees 25
Associate Degrees and Programs 41
Average Student Lab size 16
Graduate employed or continuing education 96%
Official Website https://nmu.edu/

Northern Michigan University Campus

  • Northern Michigan University’s 360-acre campus features 52 facilities for student’s academic and recreational activities.
  • The campus environment includes a university theater, a number of award-winning laboratories, a newly-updated university center, technology and occupational sciences building, and a three-structure sports and recreation complex, including the Superior Dome, the world's largest wooden dome.
  • They also include three public broadcasting stations with regular updates on news, education, and cultural information which can be accessed by anyone in the area and assist students in their academic prospects.
  • The city of Marquette, located at the southern shore of Lake superior provides peaceful and friendly habitat for students to explore and experience many festivals organized in the city.
  • With the rich outdoor areas, a habitable geographical terrain, and advanced technology, students experience a complete outdoor classroom environment where they can research and learn more extensively.

Northern Michigan University Residence

  • Northern Michigan University provides eight residence halls for students to live on-campus as well as apartment styles facilities.
  • Most halls have a 2-3 sharing system with shared community kitchens, laundry rooms, TV rooms, and Study spaces.
  • Students are provided with 24/7 maintenance, Wifi facilities, cable TV, and local phone services within their rooms along with many recreational activities.
  • The apartment-style facilities are available at various locations on the campus with designated parking, Cable TV, local phone services, Wifi, mailboxes, and proximity to laundry and sports facilities.

Programs by Northern Michigan University

  • Types of programs offered by the University are bachelor’s, pure professional programs, minors, associate degrees, certificates, honors programs, and online programs. 
  • The total programs offered by the University include more than 200 programs including 170+ degree programs and 25 graduate programs. 
  • Programs are offered in the field of Arts, Humanities, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Business, Economics, English, History, Health, Mathematics, Nursing, Design, Biology, Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics International Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology. 
  • The top programs are Criminal Justice, and Safety Studies; Arts; Nursing Administration; Biology; Liberal Arts and Humanities; Environmental Science; Business; Medical Laboratory Technician; Electrical Engineering Technician; and Accounting. 
  •  The top programs for graduates offered by the University were Business, Management, Marketing, Health Professions, Biological, and Biomedical Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies.

Here are some programs offered by the university with their tuition fee:

 
Program Tuition Fee in USD (First year)
Bachelor of Arts [B.A.] Computer Science - Major  16,154 
Master of Science [M.Sc.] Biology  22,740 
Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Forensic Biochemistry  16,154 
Masters: Arts and Sciences 22,740 
Bachelor Public Relations  16,154 

Northern Michigan University Application Process

NMU processes applications on a rolling basis. Students are requested to apply at least 3-4 months before the starting of the intake session. International students need to keep in mind the following if applying for admission at Northern Michigan University:

  • Application Portal: Online
  • Application Fee: 35 USD (online payment)
  • Documents Required:
    • Academic Transcripts
    • External Credit Evaluation Report
    • English Language Proficiency Scores
    • SAT/ACT scores
    • Certificate of Finances
  • Graduate students are required to provide test scores of GMAT/ GRE as well.
  • Due to the coronavirus pandemic, NMU is planning to go test blind for the academic year, so students do not have to submit their test scores if they are not required.
  • Graduate applicants are not required to submit personal statements or letters of recommendation, however, they can choose to submit additional documents that assist in their selection criteria.
  • Students will be informed of their selection after 3-4 weeks of submitting the application form.

Cost of Attendance at Northern Michigan University

  • The approximate estimates of costs for various programs are mentioned below:
Two Semesters Undergraduate (USD) Graduate (USD) MBA (USD) English School of Language (USD)
Tuition and fee 17,176 13,660 13,270 13,538
Room and Board 11,072 11,072 11,072 11,072
Books and Supplies 800 800 800 0 (Included in fees)
Health Insurance 1,820 1,820 1,820 1,820
Personal and Travel expenses 2,438 2,438 2,438 2,438
Total 33,306 29,790 29,400 28,868

Financial Aid for International Students

  • International students can apply for the NMU International Academic Award for academically talented undergraduate students in full-time, associate or baccalaureate courses.
  • NMU Foundation grants scholarships for international students as well at the time of admission, based on their academic performance.
  • International Graduate students can apply for assistantship which provides part-time working opportunities for graduates in teaching, researching, and office work to avail scholarships and fund their education.
  • Students enrolled in the English Language Institute do not qualify for undergraduate or graduate scholarships.

Alumni

  • The Alumni Association at Northern Michigan University aims at promoting loyal and meaningful connections among alumni, students, and their families.
  • Every year, the university organizes a homecoming meet for alumni to come back to the university and interact with current students.
  • The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is available for kids of Northern Michigan University Alumni to help them finance their education at the desired institute.
  • Other perks and benefits for alumni include networking with other alumni, discounts on gift stores, bookstores and NMU merchandise.
  • Some notable alumni include:
    • Howard Schultz; Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, owner of Seattle Supersonic basketball team.
    • Tom Izzo; Basketball coach
    • John Lautner; famous architect

Northern Michigan University Placements

  • Career Center provides dedicated career services to its students including Internship and Job Postings, Workshops, Career Fairs, and more
  • The Alumni community of the university is quite wide and active. They help students with industry-related questions, share knowledge, and helps students in interview preparation.
  • After 2 years of graduation, the median earnings of graduates is USD 28,500, whereas, after 6 years of graduation, the median earnings of graduates is USD 35,500. 
  • After 2 years of graduation, the employment rate is 93%, whereas, after 6 years of graduation, the employment rate is 88%. 
  • According to PayScale, the average salary of Northern Michigan University graduates is USD 61,375.

Here is the list of the average salary of NMU graduates by their job designation (PayScale):

 
Job  Average Salary of the Graduates (USD)
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) 71,000
Executive Assistant  54,000
Executive Director 57,000
Marketing Manager 76,000
Information Technology (IT) Director 125,000
Data Analyst 61,000
Software Developer 61,000

The NMU Career Services assist current students and alumni in finding employment and opportunities through their networks. The Handshake services allow employers to post job details and students to directly apply for the job. On-campus recruitment services include the US Army and Michigan Health Services and more. Northern Michigan University also organizes a job fair every season for students to take up internships or research opportunities

FAQs

Ques. What is Northern Michigan University known for?

NMU is known for award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives, and nationally recognized academic programs.

Ques. What are the programs offered by Northern Michigan University?

It offers 170-degree programs, including 25 graduate programs in the field of Arts, Humanities, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Business, Economics, English, History, Health, Mathematics, Nursing, Design, Biology, Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics International Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology. 

Ques. Does Northern Michigan University offer financial aid to international students?

Yes. International students are eligible for various scholarships at Northern Michigan University. 

Ques. What is the tuition fee for international students at Northern Michigan University?

The tuition for international students is 17,520 USD for 12-16 credits. 

Ques. What are the minimum English language requirements at Northern Michigan University?

The minimum English language requirements are TOEFL - min. of 61iBT; IELTS - min. of 6; MELAB - min. score of 69; ITEP - min. score of 3.7; PTE - min. score of 50

Ques. What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Northern Michigan University?

The minimum GPA required is 2.25 or higher. 

Ques. What is the average salary of Northern Michigan University graduates?

According to PayScale, the average salary of Northern Michigan University graduates is USD 61,375

Ques. What is the total cost of attendance for international students at Northern Michigan University?

The total cost of attendance depends on various factors such as enrollment status, living preferences, and more and is around USD 30,862 for international students per year.

Ques. Are common applications accepted by the Northern Michigan University?

No, University doesn’t accept common applications. 

Ques. What are the popular programs offered by Northern Michigan University?

The top programs are Criminal Justice, and Safety Studies; Arts; Nursing Administration; Biology; Liberal Arts and Humanities; Environmental Science; Business; Medical Laboratory Technician; Electrical Engineering Technician; and Accounting.