Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.8%
- Retention Rate
- 75.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,107
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,474
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $72,796 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,776 | $24,500 |
| 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 | $5,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $20,651 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $44,635 | $27,364 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,189 | $23,443 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,240 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,089 | $17,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $38,649 | $22,304 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $38,529 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Northern Michigan graduates earn a median of $47,107 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 46% with typical debt of $21,474. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 5.8% of median income, which is manageable compared to the national average of 10-15%. The university's strong programs in criminal justice, nursing, and outdoor recreation feed into stable career paths in law enforcement, healthcare, and Michigan's tourism industry. The 96.1% employment rate reflects solid job placement, though earnings lag behind national averages for college graduates. Despite modest salaries, the reasonable debt load and high employment rate create an average return on investment.