Paying for Your Graduate Education
It is important to engage in advance planning to fund your graduate education and ensure your financial stability during your academic pursuit to enable yourself to succeed. NMU students take many paths to fund their masters study, such as:
- Loans (Federal and private)
- Grants and fellowships
- Graduate assistantships
- Scholarships
- Personal resources
NMU partners with GradSense, a service of the Council of Graduate Schools, to provide prospective and current NMU graduate students with information about planning for, managing, and organizing their graduate school financial status. Visit gradsense.org to determine the cost and value of a degree, create a budget for grad school, and make financial decisions as you transition out of grad school.
NMU Financial Facts
- NMU is the second most affordable university in Michigan
- If you are a previous NMU graduate, veteran, or are serving you may qualify for residency and in-state tuition.
- NMU participates in the April 15 Resolution, that states that: "Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15th"
- Payment plans are available to help break down your tuition and fees into smaller, manageable payments or defer payments until your financial aid is finalized
Scholarships and Fellowships
Future Faculty Fellowship
The FFF Program is part of the King-Chavez-Parks Initiative which was created by the Michigan State Legislature in 1986 to increase graduation rates for students underrepresented in postsecondary education. In support of their graduate studies, fellows are awarded up to $20,000 for a Master's degree in exchange for a service obligation.
Applications for the 2025/26 Future Faculty Fellowship award close April 30 each year for the following Fall award.
Rural Leadership Fellowship
The Rural Leadership Fellowship is a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience for students interested in rural economic development and public sector careers.
Three fellowships will be awarded annually through a competitive application process. Selected student fellows will receive a 100% tuition and fee scholarship as part of their financial aid package for the duration of the fellowship.
External scholarship searches:
UCLA Grapes
Pathways to Science - STEM Programs
Sallie Mae®
Profellow
Peterson's
Intertribal Timber Council
Michigan Works
Laura Bassi Scholarship
Research Funding
Funding based on your academic research field can be available through outside sources, with small supports offered by NMU programs. Check with your academic department for opportunities to work with and be paid for lab and research work.
NMU's Office of Sponsored Programs houses grant and research funding resources.
Search for external grant opportunities: Grant Forward. Please be aware that any grant funding must be in collaboration with a faculty member at NMU and pass through NMU financial pathways.
Internal Award Opportunities for Students are often tied to research work.
Loans
Student loans for graduate and undergraduate students at NMU are overseen by the Financial Aid Office.
Degree-seeking graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized loans through the Direct Loan program. Students seeking assistance through this loan program will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and designate Northern Michigan University as a recipient. NMU's federal school code for the FAFSA is 002301.
Loan Deferment: If you have been out of school and paying on your federal student loans, you may be eligible to defer these payments. You must be enrolled at least half time (4 credits) in order to qualify. NMU sends rosters of qualifying students to a federal database. If you are not automatically picked up on one of these lists, and are still receiving bills once you’ve begun classes, you can stop by the Financial Aid Office located in the Hedgcock Student Services building to complete a paper deferment form.
NMU Financial Aid Office
You are expected to familiarize yourself with the rights and responsibilities you have as a financial aid recipient. Correspondence from the Financial Aid Office will be sent to your NMU e-mail address. Please be sure to check this account often. You can view your financial aid information online at any time by going to mynmu.nmu.edu.
NMU Internal Funding
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are listed on our website when available or are offered through academic departments as noted in the Graduate Catalog. Graduate Assistantships involve an application process that varies depending on the hiring department.
Information about Graduate Assistantships and Open Positions
Research Funding
Northern Michigan University offers research funding opportunities through the Excellence in Education, Spooner, and Student Technology Innovation awards. Students can also compete in the Three Minute Thesis competition for a monetary award. Individual departments may also have travel and special projects funding or may be able to identify other funding resources.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Donor-funded scholarships are monies that have been entrusted to the university by alumni and involved NMU community members to support students. Donor-funded scholarships often have specific qualifications for awardees. The list below is a compilation of graduate student eligible funds.
Federal Work-Study
FWS funding is sometimes available, but limited, for graduate students. Please refer to the Financial Aid Federal Work-Study webpage for up-to-date steps in applying for an FWS.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
The following is a list of scholarships offered through the NMU Foundation for which Graduate students are eligible to apply. During the application period, students can submit an application through the online system by logging in to MyNMU and clicking on Foundation Scholarships.
Criteria and award amounts vary from scholarship to scholarship. Learn more about available scholarships.
Scholarships for Graduate students have been organized into the following categories:
Any Program
- ALLIES Scholarship
- For students with a 2.0 GPA showing documented leadership, support or involvement in organizations, activities or issues that promote awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ community at Northern Michigan University.
- Alma Swinton Memorial Award
- For students participating in the music department. Requires a 2.0 GPA
- Alumni Legacy Scholarship
- $1,000 for grad students whose grandparent or parent graduated from NMU.
- Anna S. Wittler Endowed Scholarship
- Any full-time student with a 2.5 GPA is eligible, so long as their department is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences
- Baby Grand Scholarship
- For students at any grade or level who are single parents or non-traditional students with children.
- Bruce E. and Mary Williams Miller '41 Scholarship
- Any student with a 3.0 GPA from the U.P. is eligible.
- Capt. Wm. & Carolyn (Staples) Holman Scholarship
- For any student. If awardee is descendant, award will be up to amount of full-time tuition and fees. If recipient is not descendant, award may be split.
- Dan Cihak Memorial Scholarship
- Any student athlete with a 3.0 GPA who also is an athlete with NMU's cross-country running or cross-country ski teams.
- Delta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Scholarship
- A student with a 2.0 GPA is eligible for this scholarship with preference to children of NMU alumni who were members of Delta Sigma Phi
- Detroit Free Press First Amendment Scholarship
- Must be a full-time student serving on the editorial staff of the student newspaper at NMU
- Dr. Jane Bemis Endowed Scholarship
- Any student with strong academic performance or merit
- Elaine Farquhar Memorial Scholarship
- Any female on NMU's women's cross-country team with a 3.0 GPA is eligible. If the sport is not offered, then a female in Nursing or Education who meets the remaining criteria is eligible.
- Ellwood and Idamae Mattson Scholarship
- Any full-time student is eligible.
- Elsie O. Treves Mayhew Scholarship
- Any student is eligible.
- Francis Bleckner AFSCME Local 1094 Scholarship
- Any student is eligible. Preference given to AFSCME union members or their dependents.
- Helen McCann Scholarship
- The recipient must be a student who has had an interrupted education and plans to return on either a full- or part-time basis.
- J. Donovan Jackson Scholarship
- Students who are involved with Nordic Skiing that demonstrate exemplary teamwork and community service are eligible.
- Jeffery James Sandberg Soccer Scholarship
- Any student with a 2.5 GPA is eligible.
- Joseph P. Healy Scholarship
- Any student in financial need is eligible.
- Mary L. Campbell Endowed Scholarship
- Any student with a 3.25 GPA and financial need is eligible
- Michael J. and Joanna L. Roy Scholarship
- Any student with a 2.0 GPA and financial need is eligible.
- NMU Student Flexible Aid Fund
- “The Fund is designed to be a financial resource for needy students who experience unexpected financial challenges (such as medical expenses, day care, car repairs and other expenses not covered by traditional sources of financial aid) that would make it difficult to focus on their education and graduate in a timely manner.” Undergrads preferred. Must be full-time student with a 2.0 GPA.
- Peter and Judith Derocher Scholarship
- Full-time students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply
- Roberta and Robert Lovell Athletic Scholarship
- Any varsity student athlete on an NMU collegiate sports team with a 2.0 GPA is eligible.
- Roy E. Copper Scholarship Fund
- Any student with a 2.0 GPA
- Susan P. Manley Memorial Scholarship
- Intended to offset cost of textbooks and/or computer software/hardware. First preference to a non-traditional student. Second preference to a female student.
- Steelcase Inc. Urban Scholars Endowment
- $5,000 annual award for any Grand Rapids Public Schools graduate attending university full-time with a 2.5 GPA. First preference will be given to students in business, information technology or art and design.
- Telephone Pioneers of America Scholarship
- A full-time graduate student with a 3.0 GPA is eligible to apply for this $1,000 award. Preference to sons or daughters of members of the Telephone Pioneers, or to Graduate-level Education students.
- Todd "Stix" Honch Memorial Scholarship
- Any student active in NMU's marching band with a 3.0 GPA is eligible.
- Tri Mu Scholarship
- Full-time students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. First preference will be given to a son or daughter of a life member of the Tri Mu Fraternity. Second preference will be given to a son or daughter of a former member of the Tri Mu Fraternity. Third preference will be given to student athletes. Final preference is given to any worthy student from the UP.
- U. P. Environmental Conservation Scholarship
- A full-time student with a 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must provide a statement that demonstrates work or activities in the areas of preservation or conservation of the watersheds of the UP.
Biology
- Merry Memorial Fund
- Any Biology graduate student is eligible to apply. Preference is given to students studying Ecology or have an emphasis in Botany.
- William L. Robinson Scholarship Fund
- Full-time Biology students with a GPA of over 2.5 are eligible to apply. Award is to fund a project focused on wildlife or interior trout streams with a preference of projects in the Upper Peninsula.
Business
- Albert L. Quaal '59 Scholarship
- Any College of Business student is eligible. First preference to residents of Marquette, Crawford and Otsego counties.
- Andrew and Theresa Brunswick Marketing Scholarship
- Any College of Business student is eligible. Preference to U.P. high school graduates.
- Imarisio College of Business Graduate Scholarship
- Designated for any full-time student in the College of Business with a 3.0 GPA.
- John & Julie Baltes Football Scholarship
- Eligible to any full-time student with a 3.0 GPA who has been accepted to the College of Business. Preference to student athletes.
- John F. List '84 Scholarship
- Eligible to any student with a 3.0 GPA who has been accepted to the College of Business. Preference to student athletes.
- Matthew Croschere Memorial Scholarship
- Undergrads preferred, but designated for any full-time student in the College of Business with a 3.0 GPA.
- Patricia A. and David E. Lahti '62 Business Scholarship
- Business students who graduated from a UP high school are eligible to apply. Undergraduate students are preferred, but Graduate students with a 2.75 GPA can apply. $1,000 per year per individual.
- Peter White Student Scholarship
- Up to amount of sixteen credit hours of in-state tuition per semester for full-time Business students. Prefer undergraduate students from the UP, but any Michigan-based student can apply, including Graduate students.
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- Business students from Marquette or Houghton/Keweenaw areas are eligible to apply. Undergraduate students are preferred, but Graduate students with over a 3.0 GPA can apply.
- Stan '50 and Margaret '47 Whitman Memorial Scholarship
- Any Education, Business, Nursing, or Physical Education student with a GPA over 2.0 whose hometown is in the UP is eligible to apply for this $500 award.
- Sam M. and Evelyn T. Cohodas Scholarship
- Full-time Business students with a GPA of over 3.0 are eligible to apply for this $2,000 award. Preference to Upper Peninsula high school graduates. Must show promise of future business success as evidenced by two letters from faculty members from the School of Business.
Education
- Helen M. Nault Education Scholarship
- Students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply. First preference to UP-based students studying Education or English Education.
- Keith M. Forsberg Scholarship
- Any full-time Education student in good academic standing (3.0 GPA) is eligible to apply. Financial need is required, and preference is given to Upper Peninsula high school graduates.
- Nellie Johnson Memorial Scholarship
- Any student from the School of Education, Leadership, and Public Service is eligible, so long as they complete student teaching the year they receive the scholarship.
- Stan '50 and Margaret '47 Whitman Memorial Scholarship
- Any Education, Business, Nursing, or Physical Education student with a 2.0 GPA whose hometown is in the UP is eligible to apply for this $500 award.
- Schaefer/Myllyla Family Scholarship
- For any full-time Education student with financial need. Preference given to students from the UP. First preference to student in English or Language Arts. Second preference to student in Special Education.
- Telephone Pioneers of America Scholarship
- A full-time graduate student with a 3.0 GPA is eligible to apply for this $1,000 award. Preference to sons or daughters of members of the Telephone Pioneers, or to Graduate-level Education students.
Health and Human Performance
- Barbara J. and John W. Weisser Endowed Scholarship in Health Sciences
- Preference for student in Masters in Clinical Molecular Genetics or Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner Future additional advanced degrees in Health Sciences will be considered per Dean of Professional Studies discretion.
- MGH Auxiliary Scholarship
- Students pursuing a health-related field who are a full- or part-time employee or immediate family member of an MGH employee may apply for this scholarship. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- Stan '50 and Margaret '47 Whitman Memorial Scholarship
- Any Education, Business, Nursing, or Physical Education student with a 2.0 GPA whose hometown is in the UP is eligible to apply for this $500 award.
- Sandra L and M Cameron Howes Scholarship
- For full-time students enrolled in the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies. Preference to Upper Peninsula high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA.
International
- Clarice Salli Stafford Endowed Scholarship
- The scholarship will provide financial support to qualifying international students who wish to study in any area of interest at Northern Michigan University. Second preference will be given to students who wish to study abroad. A 3.0 GPA is required.
- Earl and Miriam Hilton Memorial Scholarship
- Any international student who is maintaining their US citizenship and immigration services status is eligible.
- International Student Scholarship
- International students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship.
- Johansen Scholarship
- Full-time international students with a 2.5 GPA who’ve been at NMU for one academic year are eligible to apply.
- Weting International Student Fund
- International students with a 2.0 GPA are eligible to apply.
Nursing
- Barbara J. and John W. Weisser Endowed Scholarship in Health Sciences
- Preference for student in Masters in Clinical Molecular Genetics or Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner Future additional advanced degrees in Health Sciences will be considered per Dean of Professional Studies discretion.
- Holly and Rodney Aldrich Scholarship for Nursing
- Any student admitted to the School of Nursing with a 3.0 GPA is eligible.
- James and Barbara Argeropoulos Scholarship
- For any student in Nursing, Social Work, Counseling, PreMed, Psychology or other care-related fields, especially for those employed in nursing homes.
- Margaret Weller Rettig Scholarship
- A full-time graduate student within one year of graduation with a 3.25 GPA is eligible to apply. Preference to baccalaureate Nursing student.
- MGH Auxiliary Scholarshop
- Students pursuing a health-related field who are a full- or part-time employee or immediate family member of an MGH employee may apply for this scholarship. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- Natalie C. Maki Nursing Scholarship
- A full-time Nursing student with a 3.0 GPAis eligible to apply.
- Stan '50 and Margaret '47 Whitman Memorial Scholarship
- Any Education, Business, Nursing, or Physical Education student with a GPA over 2.0 whose hometown is in the UP is eligible to apply for this $500 award.
Psychology
- James and Barbara Argeropoulos Scholarship
- For any student in Nursing, Social Work, Counseling, PreMed, Psychology or other care-related fields, especially for those employed in nursing homes.
- Rutherford/Lewis Graduate Scholarship
- Substantial award for Graduate students in the Psychological Sciences program. First priority to NMU graduates who majored in Psychology and plan to go on for graduate studies in Psychology at NMU. Second priority to NMU graduates of any major who plan to go on for graduate studies in Psychology at NMU.
Social Work
- Dr. Thomas Fish Masters in Social Work - Annual Scholarship
- Any student with a 3.0 GPA who is a part of the MSW program is eligible. Must be committed to working with individuals with disabilities.
- James and Barbara Argeropoulos Scholarship
- For any student in Nursing, Social Work, Counseling, PreMed, Psychology or other care-related fields, especially for those employed in nursing homes.
Study Abroad
- Clarice Salli Stafford Endowed Scholarship
- The scholarship will provide financial support to qualifying international students who wish to study in any area of interest at Northern Michigan University. Second preference will be given to students who wish to study abroad. A 3.0 GPA is required.
- Dr. Louise M. Bourgault International Student Scholarship
- Students must be enrolled in a NMU study abroad program, with preference to students studying in Africa or other parts of the developing world. Preference given to students majoring in Communications and Performance Studies, Biology, or International Studies. Student must maintain a 2.8 GPA.
- Dr. Susan Goodrich Study Abroad Scholarship
- The purpose of this gift is to provide financial support to students participating in a qualifying study abroad program, which must include a language study program, in a Spanish, German, or Portuguese-speaking country, for purposes of cultural and language immersion.
- Global Explorers Study Abroad Scholarship
- Preference to a student who chooses to study in a non-English speaking country. Preference to a student who chooses to study abroad for an academic year. Students studying abroad during the summer semester may be considered if they are enrolled full time. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- Joseph and Nancy Prinzi Educational Study Abroad Scholarship
- The recipient of the Scholarship must be enrolled in a study abroad program approved through the school of education. Priority given to first generation students. Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- NMU Study Abroad Scholarship
- Must have chosen an approved NMU study abroad program. Preference to students from rural areas, seeking to study art or music. Student must maintain a GPA of 2.5.
- Must have chosen an approved NMU study abroad program. Preference to students from rural areas, seeking to study art or music. Student must maintain a GPA of 2.5.
U.P. Hometown
- Bruce E. and Marry Williams Miller '41 Scholarship
- Any student with a 3.0 GPA from the U.P. is eligible.
- Edgar L. and Elizabeth C. Harden Scholarship
- Any full-time student from the UP is eligible.
- Helen M. Nault Education Scholarship
- Students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply. First preference to UP-based students studying Education or English Education.
- Jane Neveaux Empson Scholarship
- Any student from the U.P. with a 2.0 GPA is eligible.
- Jean and Kathleen (Shingler) Weston Scholarship
- Any full-time Science student in good academic standing (2.0 GPA) is eligible to apply. First preference to students from Kenton, Sidnaw, or Trout Creek, Michigan, followed by students from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
- Norma & William Stanaway Memorial Education Fund
- Any student with a 2.0 GPA, who graduated from Negaunee high school is eligible.
- Portage Health Foundation Scholarship
- Any full-time student seeking a health-related degree or certificate in the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, Health and Human Performance, School of Clinical Sciences, or School of Nursing, Pre-Med/Pre-Dental Programs or Athletic Training who is in good academic standing (2.5 GPA) is eligible to apply. Only open to students whose hometown is county of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon. Financial need is required. $2500 per student each year.
- Stan '50 and Margaret '47 Whitman Memorial Scholarship
- Any Education, Business, Nursing, or Physical Education student with a 2.0 GPA whose hometown is in the UP is eligible to apply for this $500 award.
- Tri Mu Scholarship
- Full-time students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. First preference will be given to a son or daughter of a life member of the Tri Mu Fraternity. Second preference will be given to a son or daughter of a former member of the Tri Mu Fraternity. Third preference will be given to student athletes. Final preference is given to any worthy student from the UP.
- Vincent and Mary Jo Lindberg Scholarship
- Students from Marquette and Dickinson counties are eligible to apply. First preference will be given to a graduate of Marquette, Ishpeming, Iron Mountain, or National Mine school districts.