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 gives you a moderate financial return. Median earnings ten years out sit around what a solid regional public school produces, and median debt stays low enough that most of you won't be crushed by loan payments. The problem is the 50.8% graduation rate: half of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns against you fast.
Your major decides everything here. Construction Engineering Technologies is the clear winner, paying nearly $73,000 and out-earning every other program by a wide margin. Nursing and Mechanical Engineering Technologies both land in the mid-$50,000s, with nursing carrying heavier debt at $24,500. Computer and Information Sciences clears $50,000. Finance sits at the bottom of this list around $46,000, which is close to the school-wide median, so it doesn't buy you much of a premium over the typical NMU degree.
The biggest risk is not the price tag but the odds of finishing. A quarter of you won't return after freshman year, and only half graduate. Borrow for a degree you don't complete and you carry the debt without the earnings bump.
NMU works financially if you come from a lower-income household and enroll in one of its technical or health programs. Families under $30,000 pay about $9,100 a year, and that price scales up steeply with income to roughly $22,800 if you earn over $110,000. If you're paying the top tier and planning to major in a general or lower-paying field, the return gets thin. Pick a hands-on technical or nursing track, commit to finishing, and NMU pays off. Drift through an undecided path and it may not.
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.