History
Northern was founded in 1899 as Northern State Normal School. What started as a small group of students who enrolled to become teachers has evolved into a comprehensive university that has educated thousands of people in its 120+ year history.
Education
NMU has a population of about 7,600 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers over 170 degree programs, including 25 graduate programs.
Research
The Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (IRPA) office supports the University's mission by conducting the annual 10th day census of the student body, completing key state and federal reporting requirements, fulfilling the institution's accreditation responsibilities, supporting university assessment in both academic and auxiliary services, and providing analytical and research support to better understand the performance of our students and how best to help them achieve their goals.
Career
Career Services seeks to assist NMU students and alumni with career exploration and job placement concerns. It provides resources and services focused on assisting students with career placement and career decision-making activities linking NMU students and alumni with potential employers, teaching effective job-search strategies and providing supportive information and resources to faculty and staff in addressing the career-related concerns of students.
Student services
The Student Service Center is where students can address a variety of issues. Students can receive many services and get answers to a wide range of questions about payments, registration, housing and financial aid, among other things.
Housing services
- Northern Michigan University could be your home away from home. Whether you are a returning student or new to NMU, you will find that the experience of living in a residence hall community will add significantly to your college experience.
- Our residence hall staff will help you achieve your academic goals, learn more about yourself, and deal effectively with the challenges associated with being a college student. You'll meet new people, build lasting friendships, and experience a positive, well-rounded community.
Library services
Through both our physical location in Elizabeth and Edgar Harden Hall and online, our goal is to offer you the services, resources, and support that you need to succeed in the classroom, workplace, and community. Our library faculty and staff are eager to work with you.
ICT services
The HelpDesk is committed to providing the highest level of quality support to NMU students, faculty, and staff. Support is provided for NMU network connections, network services, and NMU issued software and computers, including TLC notebooks. Limited support for other systems may be provided or referred to other service providers on campus as available.
Medical services
The Northern Michigan University Health Center offers a wide variety of services, acute care (sore throat, UTI, pink eye, ear infections), annual physical and gynecological exams to chronic conditions (i.e. diabetes, asthma). Referrals to specialists are also available.
Campus life
- NMU’s 360-acre campus features 52 facilities including a university theater, a number of award-winning laboratories, a newly-updated university center, a solely-dedicated technology and occupational sciences building, and a three-structure sports and recreation complex, including the Superior Dome, the world's largest wooden dome.
- Students gain professional skills at NMU's three public broadcasting stations, WNMU-TV, WNMU-FM and student radio WUPX, which also greatly enhance the region with news, educational and cultural programming. In addition to a rich physical campus, the diversity of the surrounding geographical terrain serves the NMU community as an extensive outdoor classroom.
Sports facilities
- More commonly called the PEIF, the Physcial Education Instructional Facility opened in 1976. The facility houses the PEIF pool, which is home to the NMU men's and women's swimming and diving teams, and Vandament Arena, where the Wildcat volleyball team plays.
- The PEIF also houses a two-level recreation center, renovated in December 1999, complete with a climbing wall, weight room, cardiovascular area, two basketball courts, two lounge areas, and a Wildcat Fit station. Also located in the PEIF are six racquetball courts, a golf simulator, a dance studio and fitness room, athletic training facilities, locker rooms, and classrooms that the Wildcat men's and women's basketball teams use for practice.
Student clubs
The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association is dedicated to cultivating a strong tradition of loyalty and engagement among alumni, students, friends and community while advancing the interests of the university. All graduates are members of the NMU Alumni Association. No fees or sign-ups needed.
Accreditation
- Northern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Michigan Department of Licensing - Board of Nursing
Northern Michigan University Overview
Northern Michigan University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
Marquette City
Northern Michigan University Student Reviews & Awards
4.2
Based on 16 reviews
- 5 Star 6 Reviews
- 4 Star 7 Reviews
- 3 Star 3 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
Research‑Friendly Environment
Overall the university was very welcoming and felt safe as there were visible security guards on site. The academic side of the university was also pleasant, any help needed was given either through emails or one to one. The campus also had a decent amount of car park spaces
Valuable Learning and Industry Exposure
I have learned a great deal from my time at this university. The education and resources provided have given me valuable exposure to the tech industry. Thanks to the skills and knowledge I gained, I am currently undertaking my second internship, confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the market
A good school
A really good school with lots of professors that really help you and hear your questions. Also one of the few schools in France to study Microtechnics
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Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?