Northern Michigan University - Find Your Flame

Whether you’re researching cancerous tumors under a microscope, studying sustainability out in the field, or lighting up the stage in a theater production, adventure and learning go hand-in-hand at Northern Michigan University. From day one, NMU students are immersed in hands-on experiences that help them grow into confident, capable, and community-minded leaders.

Located in Marquette, Michigan, on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy, NMU offers a setting unlike any other. Marquette’s traditional name, Gichi-namebini Ziibing, reflects a deep history rooted in place. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the shore of Lake Superior, NMU’s 360-acre campus is more than a college: it’s a launchpad for meaningful exploration.

Founded in 1899 as Northern State Normal School, the University began with a mission to train teachers.

Today, NMU is a dynamic public university offering more than 190 degree programs, including 25 graduate programs. It serves a student population of about 7,000 undergraduates and graduate students, and has earned national recognition for its innovative technology initiatives, award-winning leadership programs, and commitment to accessible higher education.

What sets Northern apart is its philosophy: an invitation to pursue purpose, direction, and discovery. At NMU, students don’t wait to get started. They conduct meaningful research, collaborate with faculty, and gain real-world experience from the start. Whether you’re studying environmental science in the field, interning at a nonprofit in town, or broadcasting the evening news, NMU prepares students to be active participants in their education.

Over 75 percent of NMU’s 300+ full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their fields, and all levels of courses, from freshman seminars to graduate research, are taught by these dedicated professionals. The student-to-faculty ratio encourages strong relationships, personal mentorship, and close academic support. NMU’s 1,100+ employees take pride in helping students thrive both academically and personally.

On campus, students can explore passions through 300+ student organizations, including academic groups, intramural sports, service clubs, identity-based organizations, and leadership councils. There’s no shortage of ways to get involved and find your people. NMU’s Superior Edge program and Student Leader Fellowship Program are just two examples of how students build their résumés while giving back to the community.

Northern’s facilities reflect its commitment to innovation and excellence. The newly renovated Jacobetti Complex houses the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, the Engineering Technology Department, and Continuing Education and Workforce Development. The complex features modern labs, simulation spaces, and industry-standard tools that prepare students for skilled trades and emerging careers.

Other state-of-the-art facilities include the Forest Robert’s theater, award-winning science labs, a renovated Northern Center for campus events, and the Superior Dome — the world’s largest wooden dome and a hub for athletics and recreation. Students also have access to three broadcast stations: WNMU-TV, WNMU-FM, and student-run WUPX Radio, which provide professional media training and serve the region with educational, news, and cultural content.

A recent and transformative addition to campus is the WellBeing Center, which brings together medical services, mental health support, and wellness education in a single, welcoming space. The center is part of NMU’s broader commitment to supporting the whole student, recognizing that academic success is deeply connected to physical and emotional wellbeing.

Beyond campus, the city of Marquette offers a safe, vibrant, and active community of about 20,000 residents. Known for its four-season lifestyle, Marquette is a haven for hiking, biking, skiing, paddling, and more. Students regularly say they were drawn to NMU not just by academics, but by the region’s unmatched natural beauty and quality of life. With festivals, a bustling downtown, and easy access to the outdoors, Marquette is both a university town and a lifelong memory in the making.

Students come to NMU from all over the country and beyond. More than 20 percent of NMU students are from outside Michigan. Travel is accessible via Sawyer International Airport, with regular flights to Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Many students also enjoy the road trip north as part of their NMU adventure.

For students like Lara from New Hampshire, the distance from home becomes part of the story:

“While my parents were worried about me being 20+ hours from home — and I’ll admit it took a little adjustment — there’s 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. I’ve fallen in love with the U.P. and can’t wait to come back every semester.”

One of the best ways to experience Northern is to see it for yourself. NMU’s campus visit program consistently ranks among the best in Michigan, with 8 out of 10 attendees rating it “excellent.” Prospective students often say they knew they belonged at NMU the moment they set foot on campus.

Come find your North. Explore stunning landscapes. Build meaningful connections. Engage in a rigorous, accessible education rooted in real-world impact. Plan your visit today at nmu.edu/visit