Financial Aid
Northern Michigan University’s Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students navigate the financial aid process and advising students of other available financial resources to ensure appropriate funding. NMU is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.
2025-26 FAFSA Updates
Based on information received from the US Department of Education, the 2025-2026 FAFSA will not be available until December 1, 2024. However, at this time we recommend setting up your FSAID to better be prepared for the FAFSA when it becomes available.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
JUST GETTING STARTED?
Create an FSA ID. We strongly recommend you create an FSA ID, a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA® form electronically. While you can get your FSA ID as you’re completing the FAFSA form online, getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on studentaid.gov cuts down on errors and delays.
For maximum aid consideration and to help ensure your aid is in place by the time tuition is due, please file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually by May 1.
Selected for Verification?
Before submitting documents to our office, please review your outstanding requirements in MyNMU. Some students may find they have fewer documents which must be submitted to our office, and others may not have to submit any additional information. You can find instructions on how to view the latest updates to your outstanding document requirements here: nmu.edu/finaid/viewaid (under Check for Required Information).
Tuition Advantage Program
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.
Special Circumstance
If a family experiences situations such as the loss of a job, retirement, separation or divorce, death, excessive out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance, or additional family members attending college, they should complete a "Special Circumstance Re-evaluation for Financial Aid" and provide supporting documentation. Please feel free to contact our office to speak to a Financial Aid Counselor regarding your situation. Click below for more information and contact our office with any questions
Unusual Circumstances
If you are currently required to provide parent information on the FAFSA, but have an unusual circumstance which prevents you from doing so, you will be able to submit an appeal. This appeal will allow the Financial Aid Office to determine if your unique situation allows for an adjustment to the dependency status.
Know Your Next Steps
If you are a continuing student or a student who has attended orientation and are enrolled in classes, learn where your financial aid offer is in the granting and notification process by checking your student financial aid online.
Financial Aid Offers
All new eligible students will begin receiving financial aid offers in the mail as early as mid-December. Additional information on the financial aid notification process for new and continuing students is available. Northern Michigan University is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Federal law requires all those who receive federal financial aid for students to make SAP toward their degree to maintain financial aid eligibility. Students at NMU must meet all of the SAP requirements.
Global Campus Students
Federal financial aid for students and other aid opportunities may differ between university programs (e.g. Global Campus versus Marquette Campus). Please contact NMU's Financial Aid Office to explore your individual need and circumstances.
Want to learn more about the programs that we have here at NMU? Check out the courses of study that we offer at the undergraduate and graduate level!