Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 55.9%, annual tuition of $38,900, average net price of $20,729, and a national rank of #832 (Grade B), with a 60.8% six-year graduation rate, about 2,603 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,278 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Olivet Nazarene University is a private nonprofit university in Bourbonnais, IL. Students most often pursue Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 70.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -40.6%, roughly 125.9 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Olivet Nazarene University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Olivet Nazarene University graduates 60.8% of students within six years and keeps 70.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Olivet Nazarene University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $38,900 |
| Books and Supplies | $850 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,090 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,845 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,981 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.0% of Olivet Nazarene University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,232 to $25,580 depending on family income. Use Olivet Nazarene University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,218/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,580/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,278
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,278
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,313
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.6%
- Employment Rate 91.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Olivet Nazarene University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Olivet Nazarene University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Olivet Nazarene University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Olivet Nazarene University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Olivet Nazarene University graduates earn $49,278 median, the -40.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-620
- SAT Math 460-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,603
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.8%
- Graduation Rate 60.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Olivet Nazarene University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Olivet Nazarene University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 55.9%, Olivet Nazarene University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 55.9% acceptance rate, Olivet Nazarene University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Olivet Nazarene University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Engineering, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 18.8%
- Engineering, General 9.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.3%
- Economics 4.1%
- Biology, General 4.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.0%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 3.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Engineering, General $92,885
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,759
- 3. Biology, General $64,844
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,943
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $58,187
- 6. Marketing $57,866
- 7. Economics $54,169
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $49,257
- 9. Social Work $48,574
- 10. Criminal Justice and Corrections $46,512
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $124,970
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $117,182
- 3. Education, Other (Doctoral Degree) $90,945
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $83,009
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $73,803
- 6. Special Education and Teaching (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $68,371
- 7. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $66,903
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $65,030
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $51,628
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Engineering, General grads earn $92,885—100% more than Criminal Justice and Corrections ($46,512). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $124,970 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Olivet Nazarene University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degree, 79 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Engineering, General
- Economics
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Social Work
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Political Science and Government
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Music
- Accounting and Related Services
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- International Business
- History
- Religious Education
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Computer Science
- Computer Programming
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Data Science
- Sociology
- Social Sciences, General
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Physical Sciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physical Sciences, Other
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Religion/Religious Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,603
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.9%
- Female Students 54.1%
- Caucasian 59.2%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 13.2%
- Black 8.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Olivet Nazarene University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Olivet Nazarene University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Olivet Nazarene University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Olivet Nazarene University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Olivet Nazarene University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Olivet Nazarene University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Olivet Nazarene University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -40.6% ROI. Ranked #832 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,729 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,278 median earnings. With 60.8% graduating within six years and 70.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Olivet Nazarene University's Positioning
With a B grade and #832 ranking, Olivet Nazarene University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,729 annually, Olivet Nazarene University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,510 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -40.6% ROI and $49,278 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,729+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Olivet Nazarene University ranks #832 of 6101 institutions, with 739 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 60.8% six-year graduation rate sits 1.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.8% first-year retention is 6.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -40.6% return on investment is 125.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,278 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,729 is roughly $3,332 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.2% employment rate within three years sits 23.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,729 is about $3,332 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 38.0% trails the national share by 1.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Olivet Nazarene University, a private nonprofit university in Bourbonnais, IL, secures a B grade in our latest review. It holds a #832 national ranking Category results include Completion (B), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 70.8% retention and 60.8% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -40.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,729 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,981.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,252 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,313 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,278 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 13% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about -40.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
55.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Olivet Nazarene University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olivet Nazarene University's acceptance rate?
Olivet Nazarene University's acceptance rate is 55.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Olivet Nazarene University cost?
At Olivet Nazarene University, listed tuition and fees are $38,900 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,729. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Olivet Nazarene University's ranking?
Olivet Nazarene University ranks #832 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Olivet Nazarene University's graduation rate?
At Olivet Nazarene University, the six-year graduation rate is 60.8%, and first-year retention is 70.8%.
What are Olivet Nazarene University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Olivet Nazarene University report median earnings of $49,278 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Olivet Nazarene University's student population?
Olivet Nazarene University enrolls about 2,603 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2271
- Website www.olivet.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$58.7M