Welcome to the official page of the Northern Marianas College! Also visit the NMC website at www.marianas.edu. throughout the year.
Northern Marianas College is a Land Grant Institution that is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association for Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1981, its focus continues to be ensuring student success and meeting the higher education and vocational training needs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. With campuses on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian,
the College has developed a comprehensive set of academic programs and services that address the social, cultural and economic development needs of its island communities. Today, students are enrolled in credit programs that lead to an associate or bachelorโs degree in the following areas: education (with concentrations in early childhood education, elementary education, rehabilitation and human services, and special education), business, liberal arts, natural resource management, nursing, business administration (with emphases in accounting, business management, and computer applications), criminal justice, and hospitality management. In response to local labor force needs, the College launched a new bachelorโs degree program in business management in 2014. In addition to its credit programs, the College also offers many noncredit, continuing education courses that are offered in various formats (online, short-term, accelerated, etc.) Since the Collegeโs establishment, more than 20,000 people have enrolled in degree and certificate courses, over 3,000 students have been awarded certificates and/or degrees in programs offered or coordinated by NMC; and more than 12,000 individuals have been served in the community through such programs as the Adult Basic Education, Continuing Education, and the Cooperative, Research, Extensions, and Education Service (CREES). The institution recently graduated its largest class in May, 2015, with over 165 degrees conferred.
Some of the best learning happens outside the classroom.
During the Marianas Education Tourism Program, participants explored the crystal-clear waters of Managaha Island ๐๏ธ, enjoyed lagoon sailing with 500 Sails โต, and ended the day stargazing at Banzai Cliff โจ. These immersive experiences encouraged students to practice English while discovering the natural beauty and unique experiences that make the Marianas unlike anywhere else.
The Marianas Education Tourism Program is NMC Center for Training and Innovationโs (CTI) customizable English language and cultural immersion program, combining classroom learning with authentic experiences throughout the CNMI.
As part of the Marianas Education Tourism Program, participants explored the history, culture, and natural beauty of the CNMI through immersive experiences across the islands. From visiting the CREES Agricultural Farm ๐ฑ to learning about the islandsโ history at the American Memorial Park Museum and exploring significant sites in Marpi, including the Last Command Post and the Shizuoka Memorial, participants gained a deeper understanding of the connections between CNMI and Japanese history. The day concluded with a cultural exchange with the MHS Polksai Chamorro Club, allowing students to experience local traditions while practicing English in meaningful, real-world settings. ๐บ
The Marianas Education Tourism Program is NMC Center for Training and Innovationโs (CTI) customizable English language and cultural immersion program, combining classroom learning with authentic experiences throughout the CNMI.
12/08/2026
Focus on Destination, not ๐๐๐๐ญ
Without having to take out loans that can weigh many students after graduation, Becky Mettao earned her degree close to home without going in to debt.
Staying local meant she could focus on finishing rather than on what she would owe afterward, and the education she received here has carried her into a career serving her community.
Registration for Fall 2026 is open now. Visit marianas.edu to get started.
11/08/2026
Getting Ready for Fall 2026 ๐
A look at Northern Marianas Collegeโs new modular classrooms, ready to support students for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester!
While work continues on NMCโs new permanent buildings, these modular classroom units provide additional learning spaces to keep classes moving forward. Installed in partnership with the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Honolulu District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the units help meet the Collegeโs immediate classroom needs as we continue working toward permanent, resilient, and future-ready facilities built to serve our students and community for generations to come.
Ready to start YOUR journey at NMC? Fall 2026 registration is ongoing. Visit marianas.edu for details.
The Marianas Education Tourism Program is thoughtfully customized to reflect the interests and learning goals of each visiting group.
For students from the Shizuoka Breakdance Association, Day 2 combined morning English instruction ๐ with an afternoon dance exchange featuring Profound Bandits. Through movement, music, and collaboration, participants shared techniques, strengthened their English communication skills, and built friendships that extended beyond language and borders.
The Marianas Education Tourism Program is NMC Center for Training and Innovationโs (CTI) customizable English language and cultural immersion program, combining classroom learning with authentic experiences throughout the CNMI.
This past April, Northern Marianas Collegeโs Center for Training and Innovation (CTI) welcomed students from the Shizuoka Breakdance Association in Japan ๐ฏ๐ต for the inaugural Marianas Education Tourism Program.
The week began with a warm island welcome, a campus experience at Northern Marianas College, English language assessments, and the participantsโ first English lesson. The day concluded with a dance session, setting the stage for a week of learning, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences in the Marianas.
The Marianas Education Tourism Program is NMC Center for Training and Innovationโs (CTI) customizable English language and cultural immersion program, combining classroom learning with authentic experiences throughout the CNMI.
Maximize your financial aid experience by completing the FAFSA today. Up to $7,395 in federal student aid can be applied toward the tuition and educational expenses of qualified students.
All new and enrolled students (with certain exceptions) ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ฅ๐๐ to submit an online FAFSA before registering for the 2026-2027 school year. Complete the form at www.studentaid.gov and upload and submit all required documents to Portal+.
For financial aid assistance, contact NMC Financial Aid at [email protected] or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. If you're having trouble signing into NMCโs Portal+, feel free to reach out to [email protected].
10 residents have completed the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), many of them finishing up the course after a brief pause due to the super typhoons. EFNEP is a program that provides free nutrition education classes to CNMI residents who are interested in learning how to budget, make healthy swaps for essential cooking items, and practice basic food preparation skills.
An Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) participant shares their healthy meals and snacks of the day in โLesson 9: Celebrate!โ where participants conclude the program, cook their final meal as a group, and are awarded a certificate of completion. EFNEP is a program that provides free nutrition education classes to CNMI residents who are interested in learning how to budget, make healthy swaps for essential cooking items, and practice general basic food preparation skills.
Meet ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฎ๐ป and the team behind Marianas Churisos, one of the innovators in the CNMI Innovation Incubator Program.
Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Northern Mariana Islands, Marianas Churisos produces high-quality Chamorro-style sausages rooted in local flavor and tradition. The team recently reached a major milestone with the opening of its new Garapan location, where its soft opening sold out within the first hour.
Through the CNMI Innovation Incubator, the team received rental assistance, essential kitchen equipment, and mentorship that helped bring its plans for a dedicated kitchen space to life, allowing the company to serve customers directly and expand distribution to local retailers. This support provided a strong foundation for Marianas Churisos to advance its operations and take the next step in its growth.
Marianas Churisos is a testament to what can happen when local entrepreneurs have the resources and support to transform an idea into a viable business. Weโre proud to see the team turn its vision into a growing operation, reach this milestone, and bring a locally developed product to the community.
๐ฉ For more information about the CNMI Innovation Incubator and upcoming programs, email [email protected] and follow CNMI Small Business Development Center Network on Instagram and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network on Facebook for updates.
Interested in learning more about Marianas Churisos? Follow Marianas Churisos Company on Instagram and on Facebook for updates, announcements, and information about their upcoming grand opening.
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