Big Dreams. Accessible Pathways.
Your future is within reach! Explore scholarships, grants, tuition programs, and financial resources designed to help make your NMU education affordable.
Are You TIP eligible?
If you received Medicaid for at least 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of 9 and high school graduation, you are likely eligible for the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) from the State of Michigan that will help pay toward your college tuition. That aid could be worth about $28,000 for students who meet the criteria.
Find out if you are TIP eligible.
You'll also find our 3-step checklist and more information about what TIP means for you at NMU.
TIP + Financial Aid Help, Straight from NMU
Register for a Zoom with NMU's TIP specialist.
Join Abbey Hauswirth, NMU’s assistant director of financial aid, for an informal information session about the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) and financial aid. Sessions will be held virtually from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the dates listed below for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters.
Session Dates
- September 15, 2026
- October 20, 2026
- November 17, 2026
- December 15, 2026
- January 19, 2027
- February 16, 2027
- March 16, 2027
- April 20, 2027
- May 18, 2027
Michigan Achievement
Established in 2023. Michigan resident students who graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or certificate of completion or achieve a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after will be eligible for up to $5,500 per year for up to five years if they attend a Michigan public university.
Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduates who have not received their first bachelor's degree to promote access to postsecondary education. Grant amounts depend on the student's expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution), the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.
Tuition Advtange & Tuition Advantage+
Tuition Advantage
If you qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant, NMU is committed to providing the remainder of your tuition.
The NMU Tuition Advantage is a last-dollar scholarship that provides funding for tuition after Federal, state, and institutional funding has been exhausted. This includes a Federal Pell Grant, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, NMU scholarships/grants, and any tuition-specific internal or external funds. Please note: NMU's Global Campus students are not eligible for the Tuition Advantage Program.
Tuition Advantage+
Good News! For students starting their enrollment at NMU in Fall 2026, Winter 2027 or Summer 2027, NMU has added the Tuition Advantage Plus. This is a one-time $1,000 award that can be used above and beyond the Tuition Advantage to help cover some additional fees during your first year. If you qualify for Tuition Advantage, the Tuition Advantage Plus will be added as well.
Funding Opportunities from NMU
First Year Scholarships
Scholarships designated for first year students pertain to students who have not attended any college/post-secondary institution after high school graduation and plan to enroll on NMU's campus.
Transfer Scholarships
Scholarships designated for transfer students pertain to students who have attended any college/post-secondary institution after high school graduation and plan to enroll on NMU's campus.
Donor Funded Scholarships
Scholarships listed here are funded by private donors and have varying eligibility requirements for both need and merit-based applicants. Some scholarships are program-specific, while others are open to any major.
Free 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.
Adobe Creative Campus
As an Adobe Creative Campus, all students, faculty, and staff have free access to Adobe Express.