Board approves budget, tuition rates for FY '27
TRAVERSE CITY — A balanced $60.4 million operating budget and tuition and fee rates for the 2026–27 academic year were approved unanimously by the Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees Monday.
Tuition rates for in-district (Grand Traverse County) residents will increase 3.8% from $131 to $136 per contact hour. The College’s General fee, which helps offset costs of providing student services, technology, and facilities, will increase $1.50 per contact hour, from $35.25 to $36.75 per contact hour.
The average in-district student taking 30 contact hours in a two-semester academic year will see an increase of $195 ($150 in tuition, $45 in fees).
|
Category |
2025–2026 Tuition rate per contact hour |
2026–2027 Tuition rate per contact hour |
|---|---|---|
|
In-District |
$131 |
$136 |
|
Out-of-District |
$280 |
$291 |
|
Out-of-State |
$364 |
$378 |
|
International |
$410 |
$426 |
The dual enrollment tuition rate for high school students was unchanged. That remains at $160 per contact hour for out-of-district students. Local school districts, not families, pay the dual enrollment tuition. (In-district dual-enrolled students are assessed the lower in-district rate of $136 per contact hour.)
NMC tuition is about one-third the cost of in-state tuition at a four-year public university (estimated tuition calculator).
"As NMC celebrates 75 years of serving our community, we remain committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education while planning responsibly for the future," said NMC President Nick Nissley. "This budget reflects a disciplined approach that keeps tuition increases modest, supports student success and positions the college to serve learners and employers for generations to come."
Thanks to community donors, NMC has more than $2 million in institutional scholarships available. Adults over 25 who don’t already have a degree are eligible for a state scholarship, Michigan Reconnect, which pays 100 percent of in-district tuition. Recent high school graduates are eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which provides free tuition and fees to in-district students regardless of income.
A table of tuition rates for all residencies and programs is available here (p. 58). Tuition amounts to nearly half (49%) of NMC’s operating budget. Property taxes (27%) and state aid (19%) are the two other primary revenue sources.
Release date: June 23, 2026
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Public Relations
(231) 995-1020
publicrelations@nmc.edu