Northern Michigan University strives to make its students and employees to embrace diversity, think critically and independently, acquire career skills, develop lifelong learning habits, and become productive citizens in the global and regional community.

Admission
Admission requirements depend on the level of academic program and the status of the applicant (transfer, freshman, etc.). New applicants will be admitted to baccalaureate level programs if they complete the following requirements:
- graduate from high school having academic grade point of 2.25 or better
- attain a minimum SAT composite score of 900 (out of 1600) or a minimum combined ACT  score of 19 on the Math and Critical Reading
- finish course work given by the Presidents' Council of the State Universities of Michigan

Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will guarantee suitable financial aid funding for students qualified to obtain aid and offer advice for students of available financial aid. Students who want to obtain financial aid should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The main principle of need-based financial aid is that students and students’ family are expected to contribute as much as is practically possible to pay for the education. The expected family contribution is established from the information students and their family present on FAFSA. The financial need is calculated by subtracting the expected family contribution from the total cost of students’ education. The University is ready to help students to meet their financial need by giving scholarships, grants, low-interest loans and employment.