About Northwestern Michigan College
Students pay an average net price of $5,243 after financial aid, making this one of Michigan's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $5,350 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $38,167 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $12,500. The employment rate hits 95.6%, reflecting strong job placement in regional industries. These numbers add up to solid value for students seeking career-focused training without heavy debt burdens.
The student body stays close to home, with 96.62% coming from Michigan. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in technical programs. Only 28.5% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable career preparation rather than traditional four-year degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 36.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 24.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.9%
- Retention Rate
- 81.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,167
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Transportation. | Bachelor | $105,306 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,244 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,212 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,358 |
Campus Life
The Hawk Owls draw students from across northern Michigan, with 96.6% coming from in-state. Campus life revolves around the college's specialized programs rather than traditional college social scenes. Students in the maritime academy train on actual vessels, while aviation students work with real aircraft at the nearby regional airport. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or enjoying Traverse City's lakefront. The area's cherry orchards and wineries provide seasonal work opportunities. With an 80.95% retention rate, most students stick around, though the 24.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as a stepping stone for many who transfer to four-year universities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 511 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1951
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–27°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 101.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.1%
- Women
- 52.0%
- White
- 78.5%
- Black
- 1.4%
- Hispanic
- 5.1%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 96.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.5%
Location
- Address
- Traverse City, Michigan 49686
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,167
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,656
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $133/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Northwestern Michigan College?
Northwestern Michigan College maintains an open-access policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who meet basic requirements. With 96.62% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves northern Michigan residents. The 80.95% retention rate suggests most students who enroll find the programs meet their needs.
How much does Northwestern Michigan College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Northwestern Michigan College is $5,243, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,569 after aid, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $11,821. Only 28.50% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low tuition of $5,350 for in-state residents.
What academic programs is Northwestern Michigan College known for?
Northwestern Michigan College specializes in career-focused programs including maritime technology, nursing, and aviation training. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in these technical fields. Students benefit from hands-on training that connects directly to northern Michigan's tourism and transportation industries.
What are employment outcomes like for Northwestern Michigan College graduates?
Northwestern Michigan College boasts a 95.6% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in technical fields. However, median earnings after 10 years are $38,167, typical for community college graduates in rural areas. The low median debt of $12,500 means graduates avoid the financial burden common at four-year institutions.
What is campus life like at Northwestern Michigan College?
Northwestern Michigan College houses just 511 students in residence halls, creating an intimate campus environment. The Hawk Owls compete in athletics, though most of the 2,668 students commute from the surrounding Traverse City area. The small-city setting provides access to outdoor recreation along Lake Michigan's shoreline.
Does Northwestern Michigan College offer four-year degrees?
Northwestern Michigan College does offer some four-year programs despite being primarily a community college. The 24.61% four-year graduation rate reflects that many students transfer to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere. Founded in 1951, the college has expanded beyond its original two-year mission to serve northern Michigan's growing educational needs.
