MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University is reassuring future Wildcat families about the ways it’s able to remain an affordable institution for higher education.
In the wake of widespread decreased college enrollment across the country, NMU reported a 5% drop this fall semester. There’s no question that the uncertainty of college expenses is a top contributor to these numbers.
In recent years, Northern has held the integrity of affordability through its financial assistance programs. Of its most recent graduating class, reportedly 39% of students were able to graduate with zero debt.
“We always hope that number is higher, we work with students and families as best we can,” said NMU President Dr. Chris Olsen. “In the same year, the average for students who have debt was about $22-23,000; and that’s not nothing, but when you walk across the stage, that diploma won’t depreciate.”
In 2023, the university launched its Tuition Advantage Program, allowing Pell Grant eligible students qualifying for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to pay no tuition. Additionally, the university holds this program to a standard that does not impose additional restrictions based on income.
“We do a lot of individualized work with families and students, and I think that’s one of the advantages of a place that is the size of Northern… we can do that,” said Olsen. “You’re not going to get that kind of individualized approach at a lot of bigger places.”
For more information, visit nmu.edu, or nmu.edu/admissions.
