Small campus,big life
NMU is about personalized learning, close-knit community support, and real-world opportunities that help you thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Discover how a small-campus environment can deliver big experiences.
You have a bright future ahead of you
Build the skills, confidence, and real-world experience you need to launch a successful career and meaningful life after graduation. From flexible programs to hands-on learning, start shaping your bright future today.
You have to check this out...
See why students love the energy, opportunities, and inspiring natural environment waiting for you at NMU. From day one to graduation and beyond, start your journey toward the life and career you’ve been imagining.
Welcome home, Wildcat!
If you're already admitted to NMU, we've got your step by step checklist right here.
Welcome Home, Future Wildcat
At Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, you’ll experience small classes, supportive faculty, and real-world opportunities that help prepare you for what’s next.
Attend NMU Tuition Free
Attend Northern Michigan University tuition-free with our Tuition Advantage program! If you qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant, NMU will provide the remainder of your tuition.
Your Next Plot Twist
Let your story lead to North to Northern Michigan University.
A Place That Feels Like Home
At NMU, we are more than a campus; we are a community.
Marquette: #3 Most Charming Small Town
A small town with a big heart; voted #3 most charming small town by USA Today.
Cheering on the Wildcats is one of our favorite campus activities! Widcat Willy approved.
NMU's Theatre and Dance program performs world-class productions on the stage of Forest Roberts Theatre.
Musical ensemble performances bring a vibrant energy to Northern Michigan University's Reynolds Recital Hall
NMU's Wildpup therapy dogs help to comfort students when they are away from home.
With over 300 student organizations and clubs on NMU's campus, finding like-minded friends is not just possible, it’s practically inevitable!
Venturing into the local Marquette community to sip and study at a local coffee shop is a treasured pastime of many Wildcats.
Student organizations like Platform Personalities and NoMAD bring visiting celebrities and musicians to campus, like author John Green.
Celebrating local traditions like Plaidurday brings the campus and community together in a shared display of Upper Peninsula pride.
Campus eateries like the Wildcat Den offer comfort food, good vibes, and a place to make everyday memories.
The downtown Marquette Farmer's Market runs from May 16 to October 31 and is the largest Farmer's Market in the Upper Peninsula.
NMU's DeVos Art Museum features both local and international exhibits.
Northern Michigan University's deep community connection fosters vibrant experiences and events, such as outdoor concerts.
Skiing or snowboarding with friends at Marquette Mountain is a top activity when embracing a U.P. winter.
Our trails, mountains, and waterfalls are some of the best in the country.
Easy access to the outdoors for recreation such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in rivers and lakes is one of the great benefits of living in Marquette, Michigan.
Camping with friends is a warm-weather activity that many Northern Michigan University Wildcats embrace!
The Outdoor Recreation Center on NMU's campus offers free equipment rentals year-round!
Explore Marquette
Get up, get out, and see what Northern Michigan University is all about.
We have the coordinates for adventure on your first visit to campus or your first semester as a Wildcat!
Construction Managament
Seniors in Construction Management at Northern Michigan University complete community-based capstone projects as well as on-campus projects.
Biology–Fisheries and Wildlife
Biology majors get into the field in their freshman year; Fisheries and Wildlife Management students assist annually with the Blue-Spotted Salamander migration at Presque Isle Park in Marquette.
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Technology students complete internships with U.P. medical device companies, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing and product development.
Broadcast and Media Production
Students in the Media Production program at Northern Michigan University gain hands-on experience broadcasting NMU athletics and producing content for WNMU-TV, the campus news station.
Criminal Justice
Northern Michigan University Criminal Justice students can take a Cold Case Study course that partners with the Michigan State Police to investigate active cold cases.
Clinical Sciences
Clinical Sciences students conduct cancer research through the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC), studying glioblastoma genetics, treatment resistance, recurrence, and immune evasion.
Dr. Maris Cinelli ’06 and Dr. Ryan Stock of Northern Michigan University rank among the world’s top 2% of highly cited scientists in 2025, according to Stanford University (Cinelli and students are shown at NMU’s on-campus apiary.)
Students in the Global Social Entrepreneurship course at Northern Michigan University traveled to Panama with Business professor Dr. Corrine Bodeman to help local entrepreneurs grow small businesses, gaining hands-on international consulting experience.
Mike Letts of Northern Michigan University was named the 2025 Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the Michigan Art Education Association.
Dr. Danny LeBert of NMU leads a student research lab using larval zebrafish to study inflammation and wound healing.
Jimmy Ludwig and students from Northern Michigan University won the Audience Choice Award for CTRL+ALT+DELETE at the American College Theatre Festival in January 2026, with senior Liam Fisher also earning top honors in the Music Theatre Intensive vocal category.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has sparked major energy and water conflicts along the Nile. Dr. Jongeun You of NMU helped mitigate tensions and co-authored a Communications Earth & Environment article, named a Top 25 paper of the year, which informs his teaching at Northern.
NMU Biology Professor Dr. Diana Lafferty and alumnus Dr. Tyler Petroelje co-lead a long-term study on factors limiting moose populations in the western Upper Peninsula, working with NMU students. (This moose is sedated for GPS collaring.)
Day in the Life: College of Business
Day in the life of a Northern Michigan University College of Business student.
Day in the Life: Outdoor Recreation
Join Karlie for a day in the life of a Northern Michigan University Outdoor Recreation student.
Study Abroad with NMU Biology
Join Connor for a trip to the Virgin Islands with Northern Michigan University's Biology Department.
Wildcat Perks
Adobe Creative Campus
As an Adobe Creative Campus, all students, faculty, and staff have free access to Adobe Express.
Every Student Gets a Laptop
All NMU students receive a ThinkPad or a MacBook (Art & Design and Theatre majors) loaded with programs and have access to free support through NMU's Help Desk.
Snow Days!
When it's snowing and blowing like crazy enjoy a surprise day without classes, hanging with friends.
Gabriel Thorburn ’07 BFA
Oscar and Golden Globe-winning K-Pop Demon Hunters was powered by Gabriel Thorburn ’07 BFA, the film’s associate editor at Sony Pictures Animation.
Adam Kall ’18 BS, Austin Morris ’18 BS and Troy Morris ’16 BS
“Space Rangers” Adam Kall ’18 BS, Austin Morris ’18 BS, and Troy Morris ’16 BS founded Kall Morris Inc. to keep outer space clear of orbital debris.
Dhruv Patel ’22 BS
Dhruv Patel ’22 BS has been named an inaugural AI 50 Award winner by the Center for Public Sector AI for advancing artificial intelligence in public service.
Jenna Laway ’24 BS
Jenna Laway ’24 BS was part of NMU’s Cold Case program that helped solve a 39-year-old kidnapping and assault case with new genetic technology. She is now a Michigan State Police Trooper.
Niyomi House ’15 BS, ’17 MS
The $5 million XPrize in 2024 was awarded to Niyomi House ’15 BS, ’17 MS, who was part of the winning team that used a drone to identify more than 250 plant and animal species in a Brazilian rainforest in 24 hours.
On-Campus Housing and Residence Life
Whether you are a new or returning student at Northern Michigan University, living in a residence hall community enhances your college experience. Residence hall staff support your academic success, personal growth, and adaptation to college life, while helping you build lasting friendships and engage in a positive, inclusive campus community.
Get Involved!
With more than 300 student clubs and organizations at Northern Michigan University, it’s easy to get involved, connect with like-minded peers, and find your community on campus.
A Supportive Community
From our WellBeing Center to our WildPup therapy dogs and Well Being Workshops, Northern Michigan University is invested in supporting you at every stage of your journey.