Northwestern Michigan College, better known as NMC to local residents, is a community college in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. Its annual enrollment is around 3,400 students. This 2-year college offers associate degrees. NMC also has a university center, by which students may take 4-year degrees though other universities without having to leave Traverse City. NMC is the only community college to have a Maritime academy on fresh water (NMC is located on the shores of Lake Michigan). Additionally, NMC has a branch campus at Cherry Capital Airport, and it is one of only a few community colleges to have an aviation program. NMC also has an observatory outside out of the city and a nursing program at Munson Medical Center.