1401 Presque Isle Ave.
Marquette, MI 49855

Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan university serves about 9,400 undergraduate and graduate students. This Michigan School is a four-year, public university with more than 180 degree programs.

Northern Michigan university's campus is about 350 acres, near the shorelines of Lake Superior. Located in the city of Marquette, the campus is known to be friendly, safe, and clean. Students say their favorite part about attending Northern Michigan University is that all campus buildings are within walking distance.

Originally called Northern State Normal School, the university opened in 1899, with 32 students and six faculty members. At the time, the campus was about 20 acres. At first, the school just concentrated on educating teachers. But, enrollment shot up in the 1950s and 1960s, diversifying the school's interests in degree programs and students. In 1963, the school was granted university status by the state of Michigan.

technology plays a big role for students at Northern Michigan University. That's because
Northern Michigan University has one of the largest notebook computer campuses in the country. In 2005, the campus was named one of the "most unwired" (wireless) campuses in the country. Since 2000, all full-time students were leased either a ThinkPad or an iBook. These laptops are issued to students on a replacement cycle that lasts two years, meaning a student won't have a computer that is more than two years old. Newer classrooms are equipped with ways to access the Internet and older buildings were re-modeled to accommodate students who bring their laptops to class. Students seeking network ports can find them in labs, study rooms, and lounges.

Special attention is given to freshmen. There's a program called 'First Year Experience' that helps students adjust to life at Northern Michigan University. There's also a Freshman Seminar, which is focused on campus life, activities, and teaching students how to thrive during their freshman year. Freshman Fellows is a program that connects freshmen with faculty members to do research.

The campus has 50 facilities. The most notable one is the new Seaborg Science Complex, which boasts more than 24 laboratories. The campus is also home to its university theatre and two art galleries. Sports lovers will enjoy practicing at the Superior Dome, the world's largest wooden dome. The Superior Dome seats up to 8,000 and has is known for hosting community events and sporting events. The U.S. Olympic education Center is the place to go for short track speedskating, Greco-Roman wrestling, and weightlifting. This is one of the only four Olympic training centers in the country.

Quick Facts:

Full-time faculty members teach all students, from freshmen to graduate students.

Northern Michigan University is one of three universities in Michigan to serve a community college role for the region.

Within six months of graduation, more than 90% of Northern Michigan University students are employed full-time or pursuing a higher degree.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.