About Northern Michigan University

Founded in 1899, Northern Michigan University. is a Public college. Located in Michigan, which is a city setting in Michigan, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 7,168 full time undergraduate students, and 697 full time graduate students.

The Northern Michigan University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 21:1. There are 291 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Northern Michigan University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate75%
Application Deadline
Application Fee35
SAT Range760-940
ACT Range19-25

Admissions at NMU are considered Less Selective, with ,71% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 25 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Northern Michigan University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
12%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
34%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
66%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
41%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
27%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
17%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
15%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
29%
“We only party on weekends”
24%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
54%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
10%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
12%
“Sometimes, but not often”
66%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
34%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
66%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
51%
“We live for the big game”
7%
“It”s not really our thing”
24%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
41%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
27%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
54%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
17%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
68%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
15%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
44%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
29%
“We only party on weekends”
24%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
54%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
7%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Northern Michigan University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    132 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    102 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    140 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    144 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    145 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    145 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    145 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    145 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Northern Michigan University?

48 Students rated Northern Michigan University

Tate - 10/06/2022

I ended up transferring after completing my freshman year at Northern Michigan University. My reasons for transferring were a lack of opportunity and an underwhelming student body. For a lot of majors, being at a school near a city or highly populated area is ideal for career opportunities. Northern is far out of the way for most professionals in all fields to take time and visit. You can get a degree from Northern, however resume-building opportunities are not readily available. The student body at Northern Michigan is not openly social. People are more closed off and shy, and the resident advisors (RA's) don't make a huge effort to unite people in their halls. People are generally always complaining about Northern to some degree. People do not praise the institution and seem to only ever point out what it is doing wrong. It seems as if nobody is proud of where they go to school. There is very little school spirit.

Amanda - 05/16/2020

Northern Michigan University is uniquely situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, right on the shore of Lake Superior. Unlike many universities, NMU is located in a relatively small city of only about 30,000 people, and surrounded by national and state forests. Between Art on the Rocks on the lakeshore during the summer and the U.P. 200 Dog Sled Race in late winter, there is ALWAYS something to do or experience at Northern. To top off the outdoor activities, Northern Michigan University is one of the safest colleges in the nation, and no one really needs to fear for their safety at any time of the day or night either while on campus or in town. My first experience at NMU was back in 1999 as an incoming freshman fresh out of high school. While at that point in my life I was not ready to sit my rear down and get to work in class, I did love the area and the school, which impacted my decision to come back and attend 20 years later. I have been all over the country and the world, and could have chosen to go just about anywhere, but Northern has something special about it. It draws people in, and you never want to leave. Even though I had moved away and held a career elsewhere for years, my heart always wanted to go back to NMU and Marquette, Michigan. And I did. At the age of almost 40, I am pursuing my first bachelor's degree at Northern. The academics are on point- the instructors are always willing to work with you and engage, or help you out in an endeavor. NMU is affordable, with many different scholarships to apply for as well. But most of all it is a gem in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, away from the big too-busy cities. A place where students can get to know each other, relax, feel safe, and learn in an extraordinary environment with access to nature, outdoor activities, beautiful art, fantastic food, and good people.

Brendan - 03/01/2020

As a student at NMU, I personally fell in love with the school after my first day. The people are warm and welcoming, it isn't unusual to have people holding doors for people, you'll see your professors around campus and they will greet you by name. the classes themselves are very in-depth and thought provoking. what makes Northern unique is their location, yes it is in the Upper Peninsula, but you are less than a mile away from the most beautiful rock formations, hiking, and waterfronts in the state. What has stuck with me is the high amount of care the campus has towards mental health, there isn't a day when I don't get asked how my mental health is doing, there are many resources such as counseling, therapy groups, support groups, and even sun lamps. Northern Michigan University truly cares about it's students and encourages them to go outside their comfort zone . For instance, I am apart of Greek life and we volunteer on behalf of the school all the time and we take great pride in our school and successes not only as a group, but as a community.

Delaney - 03/01/2020

Northern is a very moderately priced university in a rural setting. It is more of a liberal arts based school with lots of clubs and extra curriculars to suit everyone's lifestyle. As you progress throughout your time here, the class sizes become smaller to really give you the best one on one experience. The on campus housing is very nice. Their new housing complex, "the Woods" is especially nice! There are co-ed halls and each room of 4 people have their own bathroom that they share, also with a nice common area for each hall to hang out! As for off campus housing, their are cute little townhouses that are nice, some are rundown but most are cute and have everything you need to live well. Being a visitor we didn't really get to try everything in the dining hall and all the little food shops around campus, but they have pretty good food! There is a wide variety of options and lots of yummy desserts too! All the buildings around campus have unique designs are really cool! The PEIF and Superior Dome are especially cool, being that the Dome is the largest wooden dome in the world. Overall I would say Northern is awesome school with many options for your major/minor, activities, and just adventuring around Marquette.

Northern Michigan University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Northern Michigan University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Northern Michigan University is 75%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    While, of course, a school's academic reputation is extremely important when considering colleges and universities, the local area is, I believe, worth heavy consideration. It is more important to be happy with where you are and the friends you make than worrying about getting into the best school and getting the highest grades.

    Read all  144 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Northern Michigan is pretty laid back and outdoorsey- expect snow. Lots of unexpected perks like suite-style dorms (two dorms share 1 bathroom), laptop computers included with tuition, and free laundry.

    Read all  34 answers

  4. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I knew all I needed to know before I came to Northern Michigan University.

    Read all  33 answers

  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    During the winter, it can be very cold and deterring to students commuting due to road and weather conditions.

    Read all  30 answers

  6. Describe the students at your school.

    Everyone is friendly and all have different personalities. The students come from everywhere in the country so you get to find out about all the different places that you might go to visit someday.

    Read all  28 answers

  7. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    I?d say if a person really likes big city life then they probably shouldn?t attend Northern Michigan University.

    Read all  26 answers

  8. What's unique about your campus?

    Everyone in the community and at school are willing to help students and other people to succeed at whatever it is they are trying. The campus and surrounding area is beatiful.

    Read all  26 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Northern is located in a beautiful spot. We are surrounded by lakes and woods, perfect for warm summer days at the beach, hiking, cliff jumping, fishing, camping. In the winter we have a ski hill a few miles away where skiing and snowboarding are very popular - I beleive we have the best 'park' at our ski hill in the midwest. The environment surrounding Northern makes it unique and most people attend the school for that reason, the lakes, woods, etc. rather than the quality of the school itsself.

    Read all  22 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone whoshould attend this school sould be someone who loves the outdoors, someone who is adventurous. You are focused on your studies but there is still plenty of room to have a little fun. Also this student should be someone who likes the cold and the snow. In the beginning of the school year yuo have to be able to stand the heat. This student should be a laid back person, Marquette is a relaxing but big town, we are not like Chicago. Finally a person who goes here should be up for volunteering and a chill campus

    Read all  20 answers

  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Northern is known for it's amazing art program. It is the largest deartment, offering the most majors. Northern also has great Nursing and English programs. The people are friendly and easy-going and older students are eager to help out new students.

    Read all  19 answers

  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag about the location of my school and the peope I meet. It is not a tiny city, but it's small enough to know a lot of the people. It's also surrouded by all sorts of amazing landscapes such as beaches, waterfalls, lighthouses, cliffs, rivers, lakes, and hiking mountains. I've made friends here that I will last long after I graduate, and college wouldn't be the same without them.

    Read all  17 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about the school is the parking. There isn't a lot and so you have to sircle to find spots which in some instances makes you late for class. That and the buses operate back and forth to the different buildings on campus but if you are off campus you need to drive or walk, which if you are further away depending on where you live you need to drive. And if you drive there is very little parking, it is really a circular effect.

    Read all  13 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Northern Michigan is beautiful. I always loved coming up here as a kid for summer camp and vacations. If you feel the same way about the Upper Peninsula you should think twice. Living here is a much different story. Not that it is in any way horrible, but when you are used to the suburbs of Chicago it is difficult to adjust. The administration is great here. Although I'm only a freshmen my teachers so far have been really helpful and very intelligent. The town of Marquette itself has stuff to do, but nothing sensational. You have to love the Outdoors to really enjoy the college experience here. It doesn't feel like there are 8,000 undergrad.

    Read all  2 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    It's in the middle of nowhere. Everyone gets in. COLD.

    Read all  1 answers

  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Drinking is pretty big here. People usually either spend their weekends doing nothing or drinking. It's not a party school though. The drinking is very low key. Again, if you like the outdoors you'll never run out of things to do here. In the summer you can go to the beach, swim, hike, rock climb, bike, run, ect. and in the winter you can ski, snowboard, snow shoe, ice fish, ice skate, etc. Greek is barely ever heard about here, but it exists if that's what you want.

    Read all  1 answers

  17. What are the academics like at your school?

    NMU can give you a great education is you can put up with all of the bellow average students around you. My GenEd required English class was easier than my freshmen year of high school English class, yet nearly a quarter of my class this year dropped the class due to the fact that they didn't think they could pass it. If you are a motivated student NMU can provide you with a lot of opportunities. They treat the creme of the the crop very well here, and I know there has been discussion within the board of trustees as to how they might increase the problem of having so many below average student. If you are involved in the nursing department be ready for an extremely competitive atmosphere. Other than the nursing department the students here tend to now be very bright and don't usually have anything witty or intelligent to say.

    Read all  1 answers

  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    For the most part, yes the stereotypes are true. UP winters are winters you aren't likely to forget. Marquette is small, so don't be fooled by US News and World Report when they say it is Urban. And basically everyone who applies gets in, which makes for a very unambitious student body.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

54%

female

46%

male

7,168

Total Undergrad Enrollment

697

Total Grad Students

18%

Out-Of-State

81%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

300

Student Organizations

3

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

27%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
2%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
84%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

96% of students attending Northern Michigan University receive some sort of financial aid. 40% were awarded federal grants. While 63% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$15,646

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$730

Books and Supplies

$9,838

Room and Board

26,214

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$7,737
$30 - $48K
$9,218
$48 - $75K
$13,335
$75 - $110K
$16,368
$110K & UP
$17,354

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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