Whether you're digging into the history of theater, discovering a new specimen in the lab, or exploring the natural beauty that surrounds Northern Michigan University’s campus, you will find adventure everywhere at NMU.
Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs.
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 individuals. NMU is located on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy. Gichi-namebini Ziibing is the traditional name of Marquette.
NMU offers an exceptional educational value; study abroad in over 55 countries, conduct groundbreaking research on cancerous brain tumors, or help make an impact on the lives of those in the community -- all as an undergraduate. The current student population at NMU is about 7,100 both undergraduate and graduate students. It offers over 190 degree programs, including 25 graduate programs. More than 75 percent of NMU's 300-plus full-time faculty members have doctorates or the highest degree in their fields, and a hallmark of the NMU experience is that full-time faculty members teach at all levels -- freshmen through graduate courses. NMU’s 1,100 employees view helping students succeed as not only a university priority, but a personal goal. With 300+ diverse student clubs and organizations, there are many ways for students to find their niche within the tight knit community.
NMU’s 360-acre campus features 52 facilities including a university theater, a number of award-winning laboratories, a newly-renovated university center, and a three-structure sports and recreation complex, including the Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden dome. Recent renovations to the Jacobetti Complex were completed in fall of 2023. The Jacobetti Complex houses the College of Technology and Occupation Sciences, the Engineering Technology Department and Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Students can 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.
Another addition to campus is the WellBeing Center, which houses the NMU Health Center and the Counseling and Consultation Services Center under one roof. The new building is dedicated to integrating health and wellness into the campus culture and increasing accessibility to wellbeing for all.
Marquette is a city of 20,000 residents located along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula region is known for its safe, friendly and natural environment. Marquette enjoys four distinct seasons that are celebrated by a wide variety of activities throughout the year. The Marquette community and NMU are intricately intertwined, which adds to the vitality of the area and to the opportunities available to students.
Over 20 percent of NMU students do come from outside the State of Michigan. So how do they get here? KI Sawyer International Airport is a great option with daily flights into hubs like Detroit and Chicago. However, many students consider the drive part of the adventure. Being away from home is an adjustment at first, but the welcoming community that Northern fosters make all the difference. Take it from one of our students Lara, who came to NMU from New Hampshire.
“While my parents were worried about me being 20+ hours from home, and I'll admit it took a little bit of adjustment at first, there is such a strong sense of community here that I never felt alone When I left New Hampshire for Northern, it just felt like I was coming home -- despite never being here in person. Ever since, I have fallen in love with the U.P., and already cannot wait to come back next semester.”
Students often say that they knew NMU was the place for them the minute they arrived on campus. The University’s campus visit program is one of the best in the state, with 8/10 attendees rating it as “excellent.”
Come and see what others have been saying, and experience for yourself what it means to be a student at NMU. Stunning landscapes. Welcoming communities, rigorous education, and a safe, affordable campus. When you check out Northern, they guarantee you’ll be amazed. Plan your visit today at nmu.edu/visit.