Northwestern Michigan College has been selected by Military Times magazine for its "Best for Vets: Colleges 2015" list. The college was ranked 68th out of the top 100 four-year schools nationwide. The college now offers three baccalaureate (4-year) degrees. Other notable schools include the University of Michigan, which was ranked 56th.

NMC was recognized for the following:

 – No-interest loans to veterans waiting for processing of their benefit checks
 – NMC makes up the difference between military pay and NMC pay for reservist employees who are called to active duty
 – A Department of Defense agreement providing in-state (out of district) tuition rates for active duty military and their dependents
 – Establishment of the Military and Veterans Services office in 2012
 – A Hiring Our Heroes job fair, which resulted in 23 on-the-spot job offers to veterans