Media Resources

NMC is a publicly-funded community college with five campuses (Front Street, Great Lakes, Aero Park, Boardman Lake and Rogers Observatory) in Traverse City, Michigan.

Demographics:

• Student population: About 3,500 for-credit students
• Average age: 24
• Area: About half of NMC students come from within a six-county service area: Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford.
• Access: Open. All students with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission.

Funding:

• $56.7 million annual budget (Fiscal Year 2026)
• Revenue sources: 
  • Tuition and fees — 47%
  • Local (Grand Traverse County) property taxes — 27%
  • State aid — 20%
• Financial aid: Through the generosity of local donors, the NMC Foundation awarded $2 million in scholarships in the 2024–25 academic year.

Notable programs:

• Aviation: The only aviation program run by a community college in Michigan
• Great Lakes Culinary Institute: Accredited by the American Culinary Federation and featuring a 90-seat teaching restaurant
• Great Lakes Maritime Academy: The nation’s only freshwater maritime academy, offers a bachelor’s degree in maritime technology
• Great Lakes Water Studies Institute: Also offers a bachelor’s degree, in marine technology, along with associate degrees in freshwater studies and water quality & environmental technology 
• Nursing: The largest program north of Grand Rapids

Leadership:

• President Nick Nissley, Ed.D. has served since 2020.
• Nissley reports to an elected board of trustees.

Miscellaneous:

• Founded 1951, the first community college in Michigan
• On-campus housing: NMC’s two residence halls and two apartment complexes make it one of the few Michigan community colleges to offer housing.
• Top three employer in the region

Find more facts and statistics here.

View and download student, program and campus photos here.