Scholarships & Grants
Northern Michigan University offers a variety of scholarships and awards to admitted students who will be enrolled on the NMU Campus. The provided links give more information about each type of scholarship.
Eligibility for First Year and Transfer Awards
- All Scholarships are represented in annual amounts; 50% is available each semester. There are no exceptions (including fall graduation)
- All Scholarships require full-time (12 or more credits) enrollment
- Enrolling in web-based or off-campus courses may impact this award.
Global Campus online students should refer to nmu.edu/onlineaid. International students in a valid immigration status will find scholarship opportunities at nmu.edu/internationalprograms/scholarships.
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.
Additional NMU Awards
Veterans or those currently serving in the Armed Forces and their covered individuals: Non-Michigan residents qualify for Michigan resident tuition rates with documentation of status.
NMU Military Awards: NMU ROTC Room/Board Scholarship, Michigan Army and Air National Guard Grant.
Freshman Fellowship: Applications are available for NMU's Freshman Fellowship Program, up to $1,000 awards. The awards are based on 3-4 hours per week work with a faculty mentor earned throughout the year in a wide variety of academic fields, including biology, business, chemistry, criminal justice, English, economics, education, history, geography, nursing and psychology. Minimum of 3.7 or higher high school GPA or a minimum 3.5-3.69 high school GPA and a score of 24 or higher on the ACT (or combined score of 1160 or higher on the SAT).
Presidential Scholars Competition: For high school students who will be graduating in 2025 and entering college in Fall 2025 and transfer students currently attending a community college and entering NMU in Fall 2025. The Presidential Scholars Competition is designed for high school seniors and transfer students to compete for 16 "full-ride" and approximately 200 additional scholarships.
NMU Board of Trustee Grant: Need based institutional grant available to students who have not yet earned a bachelor degree. Amount varies based on annual FAFSA results. Eligible students will automatically be awarded at the time of the initial financial aid award notice. Both financial need and academic performance are considerations for eligibility. Award amount is subject to reduction/cancellation based on subsequent receipt of other resources/scholarships. Requires at least half-time enrollment, but will be pro-rated when enrolled less than full-time. Not available to Global Campus or international students. Eligibility for this grant expires after a student has attempted 150 or more credit hours of undergraduate work.
Talent Recognition Awards: Scholarships are available in art and design, music and theater. Please contact those departments directly to arrange auditions or submit portfolios and to obtain more detailed information.
Alumni Related Awards: NMU offers financial aid programs to family members of NMU graduates.
International Student Awards: Scholarship opportunities for International students.
Special Situation Funds: Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, NMU Employee Dependent Children Tuition Program and more.
Other Scholarship Options: Many organizations have scholarship opportunities for students. High school guidance offices and local libraries are good sources of scholarship information. Students may also wish to check with local organizations, businesses, churches and parents' employers to see if scholarships are available. It is best to avoid any scholarship service that requires a fee.