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Northwestern Michigan College

Traverse City, MI·Public·2,668 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. a public school with 2,668 students.

N/A
Accept
2,668
Students
$5,243
Net Price
25%
Grad Rate
$34,300
Earnings
10 yr
$8,191
Debt

About This School

Northwestern Michigan College is a public institution located in Traverse City, Michigan with approximately 2,668 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $5,243 per year. The graduation rate is 25%, and the typical graduate earns $34,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is a public community college in Traverse City, Michigan. Established in 1951, the college enrolls more than 4,000 students. The college offers associate degrees and professional certificates, bachelor's degrees through the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, and bachelor's and master's degrees granted by partner universities.

Located in Traverse City, this affordable community college is worth considering if you're looking to minimize debt — graduates leave with just $8,191 in median debt, which is remarkably low. The 81% freshman retention rate suggests students generally have a positive first-year experience, and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy offers a distinctive path not found at most community colleges. That said, the 25% graduation rate is a real concern and worth asking about directly — find out whether that reflects students transferring out or simply not finishing.

Founded
1951
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Business & Marketing5%
Computer Science2%
Visual & Performing Arts1%
Engineering1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,762
Avg Net Price
$5,243
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants28%
Median debt at graduation$8,191

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
25%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,191
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,191
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$34,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White78%
Black1%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,668 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northwestern Michigan College

1701 E Front St

Traverse City, MI 49686

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Michigan

Browse all Michigan schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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