NMU Transfer Process
The NMU transfer process is designed to provide clarity early and to confirm everything officially once you’re admitted.
Plan ahead: Use the unofficial degree evaluation to estimate how credits may apply before you apply.
Apply and send official records: Submit your application and request official transcripts from every college attended.
Get your official review: After admission and receipt of your official transcripts, credits are evaluated and posted.
View results in MyNMU: Your posted transfer credits appear in your MyNMU account.
Ask questions when needed: Before you attend NMU, you can contact transfer staff by emailing transfer@nmu.edu. If you have completed orientation or are a current student, your Student Success adviser is the best resource for questions about your official evaluation.
Transfer Process Links
NMU Transfer Credit Policy
The NMU transfer policy outlines how transfer credit is awarded for undergraduate transfer students and first-year students with college credit. Here are a few key points students ask about most often:
Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended must be sent to NMU.
If a transfer course matches an NMU course, a direct equivalency may be granted even if credit hours differ.
Transfer courses must be at least one-half the credit hours of the equivalent NMU course.
Quarter hours and other non-semester credits are converted to semester hours during evaluation.
Students may transfer up to 90 credits from a two-year college and an unlimited amount from a four-year college (with standard degree and aid considerations).
Joint Services Transcripts (JST) are optional, and NMU recommends consulting a transfer specialist if you have military training to review.
If transferred credits exceed what your degree requires, NMU recommends contacting Financial Aid to discuss any potential impact on aid eligibility.
NMU Transfer Agreements, Pathways and Planning Tools
NMU transfer agreements and pathways can make planning simpler by outlining common course-to-course matches and recommended sequences. Depending on where you’re transferring from, you may also have access to statewide planning tools.
Articulation agreements with two-year college partners guarantee a specific pathway and courses to take for your major.
Reverse transfer agreements are for students who begin studying at a two-year college and then transfer to NMU before earning their associate's degree. Under these agreements, a student completes courses at NMU that are then accepted by the two-year college to complete the associate's degree.
CTE Postsecondary Credit Agreements are for high school students seeking to apply earned college credit through certain career and technical education areas to their NMU program. These help prevent duplication of credit and ensure a smooth transition to NMU.
NMU also has valuable partnerships with other colleges and universities. Review MiTransfer Pathways and the Michigan Transfer Network to learn more.
Articulation and Reverse Transfer Agreements
How to Send Transcripts to NMU
Official transcripts help NMU confirm your academic history and complete your official evaluation.
Request official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. NMU accepts secure electronic transcripts through approved providers such as Parchment, Scoir, National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance and others. Do not send transcripts as an email attachment, as this is not secure and will not be considered official.
If transcripts are mailed, send them to:
Office of Admissions
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI 49855
AP, IB and CLEP test scores must be submitted to NMU directly by the testing agency to be considered official and receive potential credit.
Visiting students who are taking only one or a few courses and then returning to their home institution can get information here: Guest Student Application Instructions.
If you’re a current NMU student taking courses elsewhere, such as a summer class or a class for AP/IB/CLEP credit, start by connecting with your academic adviser before enrolling. After the course is complete, request an official transcript from that institution and have it sent to the NMU Registrar's Office to be evaluated for transfer credit.
Transcripts may be sent through a secure electronic provider such as Parchment, Scoir, National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance and others. Do not send transcripts as an email attachment, as this is not secure and will not be considered official.
If transcripts are mailed, send them to:
Registrar's Office
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI 49855
AP, IB and CLEP test scores must be submitted to NMU directly by the testing agency to be considered official and receive potential credit.
Visiting students who are taking only one or a few courses and then returning to their home institution can get information here: Guest Student Application Instructions.
Let NMU Help You Get the Most From Your Credits
Bring your hard-earned credits North and turn them into real progress toward your degree. Start with a free unofficial degree evaluation, then connect with NMU if questions come up along the way. When you’re ready, apply and take the next step toward your academic and career goals.
Hear From Our Students
Finding My Place at NMU
"If you’re a high school junior, senior, or transfer student, here’s what I wish someone had told me: you don’t have to have it all figured out. NMU gave me the space to explore, the support to start over, and the community that made Marquette feel like home."
— Rachel Raniszewski, BS '26
From Community College to NMU
"After graduating from Community College, I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I wasn’t sure where. I was scrolling through my TikTok one day when I saw Northern on my 'For You' page, and I was immediately intrigued. The video gave me a glimpse of Northern’s beautiful campus, and I was eager to discover what else the school had to offer."
— Elizabeth Preston, BS '24
Where Belonging Begins
"From my experience, NMU goes above and beyond to make transfer students feel supported. The study abroad opportunities are incredible, and the advising team truly cares about helping students succeed. Outside the classroom, I’ve thrown myself into campus life, joining club volleyball and soccer, and signing up for everything that caught my eye at Fall Fest."
— Cole Marsh, BS
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The unofficial degree evaluation is designed to help you estimate how credits may apply before you submit an application.
After you’re admitted and your credits are reviewed, your official results are available in your MyNMU account.
Timing varies based on factors such as the number of credits being evaluated and whether any course needs additional review.
For unofficial evaluations, you will receive a response from one of our NMU transfer counselors within 3 business days. We will tell you as much as we can, as fast as we can.
If you are officially applying, a transfer credit review can take 2-3 weeks.
If you have questions about an evaluation, your academic adviser is the best person to contact. In some cases, additional documentation (like a syllabus) may be needed for a review.
A transfer admissions counselor can help with general transfer questions.