NMU Focuses on Affordability

As the cost of higher education remains a primary concern for students and families across the country, Northern Michigan University is implementing new ways to help students seeking two-year and four-year degrees enroll and succeed at NMU and in their careers after graduation, regardless of income level.

"As inflation rises and state support for its four-year, regional comprehensive universities remains flat, the increase in costs will continue to be borne by students," said NMU President Chris Olsen. "However, we believe at NMU that a degree should be financially feasible for anyone wishing to attend this university, and we are proud of several programs we've implemented or enhanced that help bring those costs down."

Take, for example, NMU's Tuition Advantage program, which ensures Pell-eligible students who qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship pay no tuition. This year, nearly 270 students are taking advantage of the program, the highest since its launch in 2023.

Unlike other Michigan universities with similar programs, NMU does not impose additional restrictions on its program based on income or assets held, meaning any student eligible for Pell grants and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is eligible for NMU's Tuition Advantage assistance.

"We're not taking a look at income restrictions beyond what Pell and Michigan Achievement utilize," Olsen said. "We don't look at net assets in determining eligibility. If you qualify for Pell and Michigan Achievement, then you qualify for NMU's Tuition Advantage. It's as simple as that."

NMU has awarded more than $2 million to students through its Tuition Advantage program since 2023, eliminating the cost of tuition for students from lower-income families and allowing them to experience a secondary education that might have otherwise been out of reach.

Newly implemented this academic year is NMU's Tuition Advantage Plus program, which can cover up to $1,000 in additional start-up fees and expenses, like NMU's recreation pass, green fund, one-time athletic fee and distance education fee for web courses. Nearly $100,000 is expected to be distributed to students as part of the program this year, allowing students to attend athletic events, access campus facilities and fully immerse themselves in the Northern experience without worrying about additional costs.

Additionally, the state's Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) covers two years of tuition to eligible students and, when coupled with other income-eligible scholarships and grants, helps cover nearly 100% of NMU tuition, housing, and meal plans. TIP funding requires a student to be enrolled in an associate's program, and since many of NMU's associate's programs transition easily into four-year programs, a bachelor's degree can be much more financially feasible for students who utilize TIP funding during their first two years at Northern.

Students seeking a four-year degree who believe it might be more cost effective to begin at a community college often discover the benefits of starting directly at NMU may be greater than they thought, especially when considering TIP support. Attending NMU to earn a two-year degree and then continue for a four-year degree all in one place allows them to enjoy the benefits of a university from day one.

Currently, more than 750 NMU students utilize TIP funding.

Admissions Director Kari Garcia said these programs, combined with a straight-forward admissions process, makes enrolling at Northern simple for all students.

"Our admissions process makes it easy for students to understand how much assistance they're able to receive, and our financial aid office is incredibly supportive in helping those students attain those dollars," Garcia said. "We work with students during the application process so they know the right questions to ask and are able to provide the necessary documentation to receive financial assistance, whether it's on the state or federal level."

Additionally, Garcia said, scholarships can help bring students' total cost to attend NMU down even further. The university offers a wide variety of scholarships, including some specific to first-year or transfer students and donor-funded scholarships that cover a wide range of majors, student class levels and other areas of interest.

All these types of assistance mean NMU students who graduate with debt have an average of roughly $23,000 of debt, well below the national average of just over $30,000, the highest since the 2020 pandemic, according to data compiled by U.S. News.

Even better for NMU students - roughly 4 in 10 graduates last year left the university with no debt at all, leaving them with much greater financial flexibility as they enter the workforce and begin building their careers without having to worry about large student loan payments.

"An advanced degree is an investment, yes. But every study on the subject shows the value of earning a degree," Olsen said. "There's no question that the financial return on investment is there. Making that investment attainable for anyone wishing to improve their lives through education is our primary mission at NMU."