Student writing in a notebook while looking at a laptop.

Bring What You’ve Earned to NMU

You’ve worked hard to finish college courses. At NMU, we make sure you get the credit you deserve. We guide transfer students through every step of the admissions process, helping you make the most of your credits and reduce the time and cost it takes to earn your degree.

Transfer Credit Policy

NMU Admissions

How NMU Assesses Your Previous Credits

Students are considered transfer applicants if they attended another college or university after high school. If you completed less than 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter hours) after high school, NMU reviews both college and high school records as part of the admission decision. 

While college-level credit earned in high school is eligible for transfer credit, grades earned in those courses do not count toward the transfer GPA NMU uses in admissions decisions or in the awarding of transfer scholarships.

Transfer Student Scholarships

NMU Transfer Requirements at a Glance

The main NMU transfer requirements include:

  • A completed undergraduate application for admission.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, even if no credit was earned.
  • An official high school transcript if the student has completed fewer than 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter hours) after high school.
  • Eligibility to return to the last institution attended.
  • A cumulative college GPA of 2.00 or higher in college-level coursework taken at all post-secondary institutions attended after high school.

Some academic departments may also have additional requirements for specific programs.

Request an Unofficial Credit Evaluation

How to Transfer to NMU in Three Easy Steps

1. Complete the NMU Transfer Application

Start by filling out the undergraduate application for admission. NMU’s application is free.

 

2. Send Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from every college, university or trade school attended. Students with fewer than 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter hours) after high school should also send an official high school transcript. NMU accepts paper transcripts and official electronic transcripts sent through secure third-party providers. NMU does not accept unofficial student copies or emailed transcript attachments.

You can send official transcripts to:
Northern Michigan University
Office of Admissions
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI 49855

Schools may also send official electronic transcripts through secure providers such as Parchment, Scoir, National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance and similar services.

 

3. Watch for the Next Steps

After admission, transfer students who submitted transcripts receive a transfer credit evaluation detailing how previous coursework transfers to NMU. This is typically provided within a few weeks of admission, though some coursework may require additional review.

Special Situations to Know Before You Apply

Some transfer applicants need a few extra steps. Learn more about each category to see if you fall into any of these categories.

If a student has completed fewer than 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter hours) after high school graduation, NMU reviews both high school and college performance. In that case, an official high school transcript should be sent as part of the admissions process.

Joint Services Transcripts are optional for military training, and NMU recommends consulting a transfer admissions counselor with questions.

Transcripts from non-U.S. and non-Canadian institutions must be sent to an external agency for credential evaluation. If the records are not issued in English, they must also be accompanied by an English translation. These credits require a course-by-course evaluation.

Student writing in a notebook while looking at a laptop.

Awarding Transfer Credit at NMU

As a transfer student, you are admitted in good standing if you have a 2.00 GPA for all post-secondary courses taken after high school and you are eligible to return to the last institution attended. Keep in mind that some academic departments may have additional admission requirements.

Within a few weeks after admission, you will receive an evaluation of your transcripts detailing your transfer credits. You may transfer a maximum of 90 credits from a two-year college, plus four semester hours of physical education. If you have more than 90 credits from a two-year college, credit is given first for the courses that are most applicable to your intended major. There is no maximum credit limit for four-year colleges or universities.

If the number of credits you transfer exceeds the number of credits required to earn your degree, contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss the potential impact on scholarship and/or financial aid eligibility.

NMU Financial Aid Office

NMU Offers Strong Support for Transfer Students

You do not have to figure everything out on your own. NMU connects transfer students to an admissions counselor for help with application questions and transfer planning. You can also direct transfer course evaluation questions to an NMU transfer admissions counselor by calling 800-682-9797 or 906-227-2650, or by emailing questions to transfer@nmu.edu.

At NMU, a key part of transferring is getting the credit for your hard work and determination.

Contact a Counselor

Take the Next Step Forward With NMU

The path forward does not have to be complicated. If you’re ready to continue the academic journey you’ve started, NMU offers a transfer process built around clarity and strong support. At NMU, you can bring your progress North and prepare yourself for a better tomorrow.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions About NMU Transfer Applications

Any student who attended another college or university after high school is considered a transfer student by NMU.

Students generally need to submit the undergraduate application and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. 

If you have completed fewer than 12 semester credit hours (or 18 quarter hours) after high school, NMU reviews both high school and college records.

NMU transfer applicants are admitted if they have a cumulative college GPA of 2.00 or higher in college-level coursework taken at all post-secondary institutions attended after high school and are eligible to return to the last institution attended.

No. NMU does not accept emailed transcript attachments and unofficial student copies. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent through a secure electronic provider.

NMU transfer applicants generally receive an evaluation of submitted transcripts within a few weeks of admission.