At $17,485/yr net price, Northern Michigan University graduates earn $47,107/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,107/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,107/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,107/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,474 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,098/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,494/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,948/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,616/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,762/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
50.8% of students at Northern Michigan University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northern Michigan University delivers below-average financial returns despite reasonable costs, with median earnings of $47,107 placing graduates well behind the typical college premium. The 50.8% graduation rate means half of students leave without completing their degree, making this a risky investment for many.
Your major choice determines everything at NMU. Construction engineering technology graduates earn $72,796, delivering strong ROI that justifies the investment. Nursing also pays off well at $56,776, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $24,500. Computer science and mechanical engineering technology both clear $50,000, making them solid choices for career-focused students.
Avoid programs outside these technical fields. With overall median earnings barely above $47,000, liberal arts and general studies majors face poor financial prospects in northern Michigan's limited job market. The region lacks diverse employment opportunities that could boost earnings for non-technical graduates.
NMU works best if you're pursuing one of the high-earning technical programs and plan to stay in Michigan or the upper Midwest. The low net price of $17,485 keeps debt manageable, but only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't extensive enough to dramatically change the cost picture.
Skip NMU if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields outside engineering, nursing, or computer science. The combination of modest regional job opportunities and weak graduation rates creates significant downside risk. Consider this school only with a clear career path in one of its successful technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Michigan University worth the cost?
Northern Michigan University offers reasonable value with a net price of $17,485 and median debt of $21,474, but the 10-year earnings of $47,107 are below average for college graduates. The low 50.8% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Northern Michigan University?
Construction engineering technology graduates earn $72,796 annually, making it the top-paying program at Northern Michigan University. Nursing ($56,776) and mechanical engineering technology ($56,415) also provide strong returns that justify the investment.
How much debt do Northern Michigan University students typically have?
Northern Michigan University graduates carry a median debt of $21,474, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with average earnings of $47,107, graduates need about 5-6 years to pay off loans assuming standard repayment terms.
Does Northern Michigan University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major at Northern Michigan University. Engineering and nursing graduates see strong employment outcomes, but the overall 10-year earnings of $47,107 lag behind many other Michigan universities.