About

About Northern Michigan University

upper peninsula michiganhealth sciences focustest optional admissionspublic masters universityoutdoor recreation culture

Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, MI, known for its upper peninsula michigan, health sciences focus, and test optional admissions. With an acceptance rate of 71%, NMU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,416 students each year. NMU is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. NMU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $8,571 per year; the sticker price of $33,176 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Northern Michigan University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

71%
Overall Accept Rate
3.25
Typical Admitted GPA
GPATypical admitted range: 2.50 – 3.75 unweighted

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Northern Michigan University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
If you write a personal statement or optional essay for NMU, connect your goals or interests to the Upper Peninsula setting specifically. Admissions readers notice when students show they understand what life in Marquette actually looks like, not just that they want a small campus.
Application Strategy
NMU has distinctive programs in areas like nursing, criminal justice, and wilderness recreation that are hard to find at similar-sized schools, so name the specific program you are applying to and explain why it fits your goals rather than writing generically about the university.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Northern Michigan University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$33k/yr$7.7k
30k-48k~$33k/yr$7.2k
48k-75k~$33k/yr$11.1k
75k-110k~$33k/yr$16.3k
110k+~$33k/yr$22.3k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

51%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$38k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
5,995
Undergrad Enrollment
Northern Michigan University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch