Northwestern Michigan College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 70% acceptance rate, NMC is an accessible option, so your strategy should be to show you are ready to start strong and choose a path you can afford. Since it is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic profile.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Northwestern Michigan College facts and stats
Northwestern Michigan College enrolls about 3,253 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. NMC has an 84% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 53%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Traverse City, MI

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Key Northwestern Michigan College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 26
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional NMC, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for superscore-focused retakes. Because the Regular Decision deadline is August 26, plan on summer as your final retake window for NMC; fall senior-year scores will likely arrive too late.
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What you'll actually pay
At NMC, in-state tuition is $8,874 and out-of-state tuition is $11,560. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline.

At Northwestern Michigan College, out-of-state tuition is $11,560, while Michigan students pay $8,874 in tuition. Room and board is listed at $9,650, bringing the billed cost for tuition and housing to about $21,210 for out-of-state students and $18,524 for Michigan students. Actual costs can vary with course load, housing choices, and financial need.
Student life at Northwestern Michigan College
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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Adrian, MIAcceptance rate: 72.6%
SAT: 940–1160
ACT: 21–27
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Albion, MIAcceptance rate: 80.7%
Alma College
Alma, MIAcceptance rate: 57%
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ACT: 22–29
Alpena Community College
Alpena, MIAcceptance rate: 65.7%
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