About Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University attracts 6,425 students to Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula for hands-on learning in criminal justice, nursing, and outdoor recreation. The full university sits in Marquette's remote town setting, where students can study forestry one day and hit the trails the next. Notable graduates include NFL coach Steve Mariucci and Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo. With a 70.55% acceptance rate, NMU welcomes motivated students ready for Upper Peninsula winters and real-world experience.
Students pay an average net price of $17,485, which varies dramatically by family income from $9,098 for low-income families to $22,762 for wealthy ones. Graduates earn a median of $47,107 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,474 manageable with monthly payments of $228. The 96.1% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 50.80% six-year graduation rate means staying focused matters.
The student body runs 60.59% female and 85.23% white, with most coming from within Michigan. With 457 student-athletes competing across 20 NCAA Division II sports, the Wildcats offer plenty of team spirit. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the semester system keeps academics moving at a steady pace.
Students pay an average net price of $17,485, which varies dramatically by family income from $9,098 for low-income families to $22,762 for wealthy ones. Graduates earn a median of $47,107 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,474 manageable with monthly payments of $228. The 96.1% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 50.80% six-year graduation rate means staying focused matters.
The student body runs 60.59% female and 85.23% white, with most coming from within Michigan. With 457 student-athletes competing across 20 NCAA Division II sports, the Wildcats offer plenty of team spirit. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the semester system keeps academics moving at a steady pace.
Academics & Faculty
Northern Michigan builds its reputation around practical programs that prepare students for immediate careers. The university excels in criminal justice, nursing, and outdoor recreation management, capitalizing on its Upper Peninsula location for hands-on learning. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at larger state schools, though the 51% graduation rate suggests many struggle to finish. The school attracts students seeking specialized training rather than traditional liberal arts education. Programs like forestry and fisheries management draw from the surrounding wilderness. Notable alumni include NFL coach Steve Mariucci and Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, reflecting the school's emphasis on leadership development in sports and beyond.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 73.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.8%
- Retention Rate
- 75.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,107
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $72,796 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,358 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $47,846 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $44,635 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,189 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,240 |
Campus Life
Marquette sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 300 miles from Detroit and accessible mainly by driving through Wisconsin. The campus houses 3,155 students in residence halls, meaning roughly half the 6,425 enrolled students live on campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, and snow can last from November through April, so invest in serious cold-weather gear.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name. Students embrace the harsh climate through outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of nearby Lake Superior and vast wilderness areas. Weekend activities center around hockey games, outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking, and house parties since Marquette offers limited nightlife options. The campus culture revolves around a hardy, outdoorsy mentality where students bond over surviving brutal winters together. Many students are drawn to programs in criminal justice and nursing, while the outdoor recreation major attracts adventure-seekers. With 74% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a distinctly Midwestern, close-knit community that takes pride in their remote location.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know your name. Students embrace the harsh climate through outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of nearby Lake Superior and vast wilderness areas. Weekend activities center around hockey games, outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking, and house parties since Marquette offers limited nightlife options. The campus culture revolves around a hardy, outdoorsy mentality where students bond over surviving brutal winters together. Many students are drawn to programs in criminal justice and nursing, while the outdoor recreation major attracts adventure-seekers. With 74% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a distinctly Midwestern, close-knit community that takes pride in their remote location.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 3,155 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1899
Campus Safety (2023)
52 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–25°F
- July Avg
- 58°–74°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 62.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -660.5"
Student Demographics
Most students at Northern Michigan come from Michigan, drawn to the school's strong reputation for practical career programs and outdoor lifestyle. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, reflecting popular programs in nursing, education, and social services. The student body is predominantly white, typical for Michigan's Upper Peninsula region. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students and working-class families. These students are often seeking affordable, career-focused education in fields like criminal justice and healthcare that offer stable employment prospects.
- Men
- 39.4%
- Women
- 60.6%
- White
- 85.2%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 4.4%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 74.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.4%
Location
Marquette sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 300 miles north of Green Bay and 450 miles from Detroit. The town of roughly 20,000 people sits on the shores of Lake Superior, surrounded by forests and outdoor recreation opportunities. With 74% of students coming from in-state, many arrive familiar with the region's harsh winters and rugged landscape. The remote setting attracts students seeking small-town college life rather than urban amenities. Marquette serves as a regional center for the sparsely populated Upper Peninsula, where outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing dominate campus culture. The university's location appeals to those who prefer nature over nightlife. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Northern Michigan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Marquette, Michigan 49855-5301
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,107
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,757
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,474
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northern Michigan University?
Northern Michigan University admits 70.55% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts many students interested in outdoor recreation and criminal justice programs in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
How much does Northern Michigan University cost after financial aid?
Students at Northern Michigan University pay an average net price of $17,485 after aid. Lower-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,098, while the school provides institutional grants averaging $7,870 to 15.69% of students.
What is Northern Michigan University known for academically?
Northern Michigan University maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The school has built a strong reputation for criminal justice, nursing, and outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of its remote Upper Peninsula location.
What are the graduation rates at Northern Michigan University?
Northern Michigan University graduates 51.83% of students within four years and 50.80% within six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $47,107 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $21,474.
Where is Northern Michigan University located and what is campus life like?
Northern Michigan University sits in the remote town of Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with 6,425 students enrolled. The campus houses 3,155 students and fields 20 varsity sports teams as NCAA Division II Wildcats, drawing 74.34% of students from within Michigan.
Does Northern Michigan University have notable athletic programs?
Northern Michigan University competes in NCAA Division II with 457 total athletes across 20 sports. The school awards $4,837,823 in athletic scholarships and has produced notable coaches including NFL's Steve Mariucci and basketball's Tom Izzo.
