How Do You Transfer to NMU? | NMU Transfer Students

If you want to transfer to Northern Michigan University, the first step is to complete NMU’s free undergraduate application and submit official transcripts from every college, university or trade school you have attended. You must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 in college-level coursework and be eligible to return to the last institution you attended. If you have fewer than 12 semester credits completed after high school, you must submit an official high school transcript.

Although the application itself is straightforward, good transfer planning makes the process easier. Reviewing your intended program and talking with a transfer admissions counselor help prepare you for both the admission process and the transition to NMU.

Who Is Considered a Transfer Student at NMU?

NMU considers you a transfer student if you attended another college or university after graduating from high school. This applies whether you completed one course or received an associate degree.

College credits earned before high school graduation, such as dual enrollment credits, may still be eligible for transfer. However, those grades are not included in the college GPA NMU uses for transfer admission or transfer scholarship decisions.

If you have completed fewer than 12 semester credit hours or 18 quarter hours after high school, you must follow a slightly different review process. In this case, NMU transfer requirements call for consideration of both college and high school records. That requires you to submit both official high school and postsecondary transcripts.

What Are the NMU Transfer Requirements?

If you want to transfer credits to NMU, you must meet transfer admission requirements. They include:

A completed undergraduate application
Official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended
An official high school transcript if fewer than 12 semester credits were completed after high school
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in college-level coursework
Eligibility to return to the last institution attended

The GPA is based on college-level courses taken at all postsecondary institutions after high school.

In addition to the general requirements, some academic programs have separate standards or prerequisite expectations. Nursing, education, clinical programs, laboratory sciences and other professionally regulated majors may require specific courses, grades, applications or background checks.

If you are interested in one of these programs, make sure to review departmental requirements early and speak with a transfer counselor or program adviser.

NMU uses a supportive approach to transfer admission. Meeting the general requirements provides a path to admission, while individual questions or unusual circumstances can be discussed with the admissions team.

How Do I Complete the NMU Transfer Application?

You can complete the NMU transfer process in three main steps.

1. Submit the Undergraduate Application

Complete NMU’s undergraduate application and identify yourself as a transfer student. The application is free. Enter an email address you check regularly because NMU will use it to communicate application updates and additional requests.

2. Send Official Transcripts

Request an official transcript from every college, university or trade school you have attended. Transcripts can be mailed directly to:

Northern Michigan University
Office of Admissions
1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855

Institutions may also send official electronic transcripts through secure services such as Parchment, Scoir, National Student Clearinghouse or Naviance. NMU does not accept unofficial student copies or transcript files sent as email attachments.

If you completed fewer than 12 semester credits after high school, you should also submit an official high school transcript.

3. Review the Admission and Credit Information

After NMU receives the required materials, the admissions team reviews the application. Admitted transfer students generally receive a transfer credit evaluation within a few weeks of admission, although courses that require additional assessment may take longer.

The campus was the perfect size and the scenery was beautiful, but what really sealed the deal was meeting Dr. Jes Thompson, the head of the PR Department. I was already interested in PR as my major, but I was so inspired by her passion for it and her passion for education. I quickly sent in my application to Northern and was overwhelmed with excitement when I saw I got accepted and was able to pursue my major.

Liz Preston

NMU Transfer Student

How Will My Credits Transfer to NMU?

NMU evaluates coursework from accredited institutions to determine whether it is equivalent to an NMU course, fulfills another requirement or transfers as elective credit. A transfer course may receive a direct NMU equivalency when its content matches an NMU course.

NMU may accept up to 90 credits from a two-year college, plus four semester hours of physical education. Credits from four-year colleges and universities do not have a specific maximum, provided they meet NMU transfer guidelines. Degree requirements, residency expectations and financial aid rules still apply, so transferring a large number of credits does not necessarily mean every credit reduces the number of courses you have remaining.

The evaluation may include:

College and university coursework
Dual enrollment credit
Eligible military credit
Advanced Placement credit
International Baccalaureate credit
CLEP examination credit

If you complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement, NMU generally considers its general education requirements complete. Program-specific and graduation requirements may still remain.

Can I Find Out How My Credits Transfer Before Applying?

NMU offers an unofficial transfer credit evaluation to help you understand how completed coursework may apply to an intended degree. The evaluation can provide an early estimate of transferable credits and the time needed to graduate. The evaluation is especially useful when comparing majors or deciding when to transfer.

Request an Unofficial Transfer Credit Evaluation from NMU’s admissions team.

You can also use NMU’s transfer credit resources. These tools can identify known course matches and recommended academic sequences.

Is NMU Transfer-Friendly?

NMU supports transfer students throughout the admission process. The free application, unofficial transfer credit evaluation and transfer-planning resources are intended to provide clear information before students commit to enrolling.

Transfer students can contact an admissions counselor with questions. Questions about transfer credits may be directed to transfer@nmu.edu or answered by calling 906-227-2650 or 800-682-9797.

Support continues after admission. NMU’s Student Success Team and faculty mentors help students set goals and respond to challenges. Free tutoring is available for many introductory courses, and specialty tutoring labs cover areas such as writing, mathematics, languages and computer science.

Students can also find support through counseling, care management, accessibility services, career resources and campus organizations. These services are especially valuable as transfer students adjust to their new academic environment.

Follow Your Goals to NMU

Northern Michigan University combines academics with a close-knit community. You can explore a wide range of programs while receiving guidance from admissions counselors and faculty mentors.

You also have the opportunity to participate in 300+ clubs and organizations, outdoor recreation, athletics and other experiences to help build community outside the classroom. NMU’s academic and campus resources are designed to support the whole student rather than treating admission as the end of the transfer process.

The best way to determine whether NMU fits your goals is to review your intended program and understand how your previous coursework may apply. Request an unofficial transfer credit evaluation and connect with a transfer admissions counselor to begin bringing your progress North and getting the credit you deserve.