NMU Tuition Advantage
NMU Tuition Advantage - How To Attend NMU Tuition Free
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 is used. 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.
How do I know if I qualify?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help me understand how the NMU Tuition Advantage works?
Students who qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the FAFSA, will qualify for the NMU Tuition Advantage. This means you will attend NMU tuition-free, which for many students is the largest portion of university costs.
How is the NMU Tuition Advantage calculated?
- Start with the cost of NMU's tuition and select mandatory fees.
- From that total, we will subtract aid you are receiving such as Federal Grants, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, NMU scholarships/grants and any tuition-specific internal or external funds.
- The remaining balance is covered by the NMU Tuition Advantage.
Example:
NMU Tuition and Select Mandatory Fees,
minus Pell and SEOG Grants (Federal)
minus Michigan Achievement Scholarship (State)
minus NMU aid you qualify for (NMU scholarships and grants)*
minus Tuition-specific awards (internal or external)*
Equals NMU Tuition Advantage. That means a zero NMU Tuition Balance for you!
*You will receive the NMU Tuition Advantage and the remaining tuition and select mandatory fees balance is covered by the NMU Tuition Advantage - as long as you receive the Federal Pell Grant and Michigan Achievement Scholarship - even if you don't qualify for the other funding sources listed in the example.
What select mandatory fees are included in NMU's Tuition Advantage?
Included in the Tuition Advantage program are these select mandatory fees; NMU's University Fee, Student Activity Fee, Differential Tuition and Program Specific fees.
See details on tuition and fees here.
If my tuition and select mandatory fees are completely covered, what other expenses can I expect?
Additional expenses not covered by NMU's Tuition Advantage could include:
- Fees for NMU's recreation pass, green fund, one-time athletic fee and the distance education fee for web courses.
- On-campus housing and meal expenses (For students required to live on-campus - see details here).
- Orientation registration fee ($126)
- Housing application fee ($50) and advanced payment ($200)
- Books and supplies (varies)
Expenses vary based on a student's situation.
Find more information about additional expenses here.
What are my options for assistance in paying non-tuition expenses?
Funding sources and assistance in paying non-tuition expenses include:
Non-tuition specific scholarships and grants from Federal, state, or other external sources
College Savings Plans
Federal Work-Study
Payment Plans
Federal Student Loans
Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
Private Student Loans
Learn more about these options at nmu.edu/financialaid and click on Sources of Aid.
Do I have to apply for NMU's Tuition Advantage Program?
How do I know if I qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship?
Visit michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship to learn more about the qualifications and application process.
Make sure to submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov. NMU's school code is 002301.
How do I know if I qualify for a Federal Pell Grant?
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov to see if you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. NMU's school code is 002301.
Visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell to learn more.
Is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the NMU Tuition Advantage guaranteed every year?
You will need to qualify for both programs each year by submitting your FAFSA which will determine if you still meet the criteria.
The NMU Tuition Advantage program is renewable for 8 semesters for first year students and 6 semesters for transfer students, or until you reach your first bachelor's degree, which ever comes first, as long as you continue to qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant and meet SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) at NMU .