The National Institute for Consumer Education (NICE) is a resource and professional development center for consumer educators. NICE served K-12 educators, college faculty and students, private industry representatives, government agency personnel, education association leaders, consumer, arbor and community groups, and media representatives. It was a clearinghouse for consumer education materials and linked materials with educators. Textbooks, curriculum guides, software programs, research reports and videos. Previously known as the Michigan Consumer Education Center and located in the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University since 1973, it is a professional development center. Since 1976, NICE has served as an Economic Education Center at Eastern Michigan University. During the 1980s and 1990s, as its reputation grew, the Center’s mission was expanded to include personal finance education and general (non-school) consumer education. As a result, the name was changed to the National Institute for Consumer Education, appropriate also because of its relationship with the ERIC National Clearing House for Consumer Education. Since 1991, has served as the Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for Consumer Education, a national information system for education practitioners operated by the United States Department of Education.

Following a 25-year history within the College of Education, all under the leadership of its original director, Ms. Rosella Bannister, NICE was transferred to EMU’s Division of Extended Programs at the time of Ms. Bannister’s retirement in 1998. NICE reported directly to the Dean of the College of Education during those years.