NMC Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program students and instructors pose with the fleet of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles

UAS Program Information

UAS Associate of Applied Science Degree

Elevate your UAS aspirations with our groundbreaking two-year Associate Degree. Dive into specialized collegiate training that not only fuels your passion but also earns you valuable college credits. Immerse yourself in a hands-on, technical curriculum crafted to launch your journey in the UAS industry and set you on a path to redefine the future. Your adventure in innovation begins now — seize the opportunity!


UAS Certificate Program

Unlock the potential of drone technology without the need for a traditional degree. Our certificate program offers targeted UAS training while making you eligible for financial aid. Whether you're building on an existing degree or leveraging professional experience, this program is tailored for individuals like you who seek to enhance their skills with specialized drone training. Join us and elevate your expertise in the exciting world of UAS!


FAA Approved UAS-CTI School

NMC has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the UAS College Training Initiative program. So what does this mean? It means NMC offers training that goes above and beyond many of the smaller UAS training schools. NMC has a robust curriculum that is a total solution for preparing people to enter the UAS industry. This program offers a laser-focused approach, providing hands-on technical training with a fleet of top-notch aircraft. The instructional staff brings a wealth of industry experience to the table, ensuring a learning experience that's not just impressive but also deeply insightful.


UAS Training Focus

  • Certification as a Commercial UAS (Drone) Operator
  • Training on a variety of systems from basic to advanced commercial-grade UAS equipment
  • Learn how to use drones for specific uses in the industry such as:
    • Aerial Photography
    • Mapping and land survey
    • Agriculture
    • Industrial Inspections
    • Advanced drone operations with long endurance aircraft
  • Frequent and regular hands-on training in the field with UAS equipment
  • Learning how to be marketable to the UAS industry

UAS Training Fleet

NMC UAS Training Center operates a variety of aircraft — everything from small multi-rotor aircraft that students build to the large catapult-launched UAV Factory Penguin C. Dive into the fascinating world of various aircraft below and discover the unique qualities that make each one a standout!


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Tuition and Fees

General Academic Programs

Residency Status

Tuition Rate

In-District ( Grand Traverse County residents) Tuition

$126.00 per contact hour

In-State ( other Michigan counties) Tuition

$269.00 per contact hour

Out-of-state Tuition

$350.00 per contact hour

International Tuition

$394.00 per contact hour

General Fee for all residencies:

Other fee of $34.00 per contact hour is a general fee covering a portion of costs for technology, orientation, placement, career testing, Student Government Association, and other student service activities.

$34.00 per contact hour

Cost of Attendance

General Academic Programs Annual (Fall/Spring) Cost

Costs

In-District

In-State

Out-of-State

Interna­tional

Tuition and Fees

$ 5,860

$10,722

$13,476

$14,972

Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment

$300

$300

$300

$300

Living Expenses: On-Campus Housing and Food

$10,600

$10,600

$10,600

$10,600

Transportation

$1,000

$2,000

$3,000

$3,000

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

$500

$500

$500

$500

Federal Student Loan Fees

$120

$120

$120

$120

$18,380

$24,242

$27,996

$29,492

Note: For more information on how COA component estimates are calculated, see the bottom of the Tuition and Fees page.

Enrolled students can find their own calculated Cost of Attendance in NMC Self-Service under Financial Aid. Others can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the total annual cost of attending NMC based on their program and enrollment plans, along with financial aid eligibility.