Research.com
Northern Michigan University logo

Northern Michigan University

1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, USA

Northern Michigan University award
Northern Michigan University award
US ranking
position: 422
Tuition & fees per year: $14,702
Acceptance rate: 70.00%
Median alumni salary: $36,618
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does Northern Michigan University offer in terms of athletics?

Northern Michigan University provides a variety of athletic opportunities that cater to students with diverse interests and skill levels. The university competes in NCAA Division II for most sports, participating primarily in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Additionally, its ice hockey program is notable for competing at the NCAA Division I level, drawing considerable attention and offering a highly competitive environment.

The university fields teams in several men's and women's sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, golf, track and field, and tennis. Students have the chance to engage in both individual and team sports, fostering personal development and teamwork skills. Beyond varsity athletics, Northern Michigan also supports club and intramural programs, allowing students to stay active and involved in various physical activities without the commitment of varsity competition.

Athletic facilities on campus are designed to accommodate both training and competition needs, featuring fitness centers, gyms, and arenas that serve athletes and the broader student body. These resources aim to enhance the student-athlete experience and promote a strong community spirit around Northern Michigan's athletic programs.

What student groups and Associations are available at Northern Michigan University?

At Northern Michigan University, there are a range of student organizations and associations that cater to diverse interests and promote community engagement. While specific details about the types and number of these groups are not available, the university hosts a total student population of 5,600, with 2,263 men and 3,337 women enrolled. This diverse student body typically supports a variety of social, academic, and cultural organizations designed to enrich campus life and enhance students' university experience.

Who studies at Northern Michigan University?

Northern Michigan University hosts a diverse student body with a predominant representation of in-state students, who make up about 74% of the population, placing the institution in the upper 40% nationwide for this category. Out-of-state students comprise roughly 24%, which is considered average but falls in the lower 45% compared to other universities. The university exhibits a strong presence of U. S. students overall, ranking in the top 30% with 98% domestic enrollment, while the proportion of international students is limited, being about 1% and considered average on a national scale.

The annual influx of new students is steady, with approximately 1,551 freshmen enrolling each year, a figure that situates Northern Michigan University in the top 40% of institutions by freshman class size. Transfer students number around 440, roughly half the size of the incoming freshmen cohort and typical for similar universities. In total, the university admits around 1,991 new students annually, reflecting a balanced and moderately sized institution.

Age distribution among students shows a wide range, particularly at the undergraduate level. Most undergraduates fall within the traditional college age group of 18 to 21 years, with 2,399 students aged 18-19 and 2,076 students aged 20-21. There is also a noteworthy presence of older students: 958 between 22 and 24, 307 between 25 and 29, and a considerable number beyond that, including 196 students over 65 years old, highlighting opportunities for non-traditional and continuing education students. Graduate enrollment is smaller, with the majority aged 22 to 49, reinforcing a mature graduate student population.

The racial and ethnic composition reflects a predominantly white student body, with over 5,300 students identifying as white, placing Northern Michigan University in the top 25% nationally for this demographic. Native American students are also notably represented, with 112 individuals, a figure that ranks in the top 15% of universities nationwide. Hispanic and African American populations are smaller but present, with approximately 288 and 118 students respectively, which are average shares. Other groups include nearly 30 Asian students and 267 students identifying with two or more races. Several students remain unknown or unreported in racial categories, totaling 83 individuals.

How does student life look like at Northern Michigan University?

Northern Michigan University offers a campus environment that supports a variety of student activities and cultural engagement. The university campus spans 360 acres, providing ample space for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Students have access to several creative outlets, including campus newspaper, drama productions, radio station, band, chorus, and television programs, encouraging a vibrant cultural life.

Health and wellness resources are accessible, with a health clinic and psychological counseling services available to students. Additionally, the campus has a Veterans Affairs office to support veterans attending the university. While legal services and a women's center are not provided, the available services indicate a focus on health and student support.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18, which ranks in the top 20% nationally, students can expect relatively favorable opportunities for close academic interaction and support.

Northern Michigan University's enrollment includes over 7,400 students, with nearly 1,500 full-time degree seekers, fostering a diverse and active student body. The presence of international students from 26 countries helps contribute to a moderately diverse campus community.

What libraries are available to students at Northern Michigan University?

Northern Michigan University offers students access to the Lydia M. Olson Library, which serves as the institution's primary library facility. There are no additional libraries on campus, placing the university in the lower tier compared to peers in terms of the number of libraries available.

The Lydia M. Olson Library houses approximately 239,305 physical books, reflecting a modest collection size that ranks in the lower 45th percentile nationally. Students also benefit from a digital collection that includes around 58,9553 ebooks and access to 65 databases, both factors contributing to the availability of varied research materials, albeit within a more limited range compared to larger institutions.

The library subscribes to about 2,024 titles overall, including nearly 93,863 digital subscriptions, which offers students substantial access to digital journals and resources, although these figures position the university below the median among peers.

Facilities at the Lydia M. Olson Library include study rooms and physical spaces conducive to focused work. While the library does not offer 24-hour access, it maintains established staffed hours and provides trained staff to assist students. Additionally, patrons have access to shared collections, enhancing research opportunities beyond the library's own holdings.

Northern Michigan University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

7409

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1483

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

315 full time, 136 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Northern Michigan University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Lydia M. Olson Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Northern Michigan University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Northern Michigan University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Northern Michigan University Location & Map

Recently Published Articles