The University of Olivet
The University of Olivet is a private nonprofit university in Olivet, MI ranked #1596 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 918 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.1%. Students most often pursue Insurance and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 57.3% first-year retention, and 37.0% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $21,158, about $4,160 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -49.6%, roughly 134.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,637. That's about $1,051 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is The University of Olivet Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
The University of Olivet graduates 37.0% of students within six years and keeps 57.3% 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 The University of Olivet'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 | $33,076 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,886 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,766 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,849 |
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 41.7% of The University of Olivet students receive Pell Grants — above 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 $20,658 to $25,220 depending on family income. Use The University of Olivet's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,904/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,220/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,637
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,637
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.3%
- Employment Rate 92.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for The University of Olivet 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.
The University of Olivet vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how The University of Olivet's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes The University of Olivet's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While The University of Olivet graduates earn $42,637 median, the -49.6% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 918
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 57.3%
- Graduation Rate 37.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into The University of Olivet
1. Meet Academic Requirements: The University of Olivet 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 97.1%, The University of Olivet 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 97.1% acceptance rate, The University of Olivet is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among The University of Olivet undergraduates. Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Biology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 13.5%
- Biology, General 11.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.9%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.4%
- Insurance 9.3%
- Psychology, General 7.3%
See more majors
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 4.7%
- English Language and Literature, General 3.6%
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. Insurance $70,559
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,764
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $53,031
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $49,623
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $45,939
- 6. Sociology $45,115
- 7. Psychology, General $25,656
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Insurance grads earn $70,559—175% more than Psychology, General ($25,656). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for The University of Olivet. 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
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Insurance (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 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 (28 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Insurance
- Psychology, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Journalism
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Music
- Chemistry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- History
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 918
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.1%
- Female Students 41.9%
- Caucasian 65.9%
- Asian 0.7%
- Hispanic 7.6%
- Black 16.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 41.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects The University of Olivet's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of The University of Olivet's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Olivet, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at The University of Olivet, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
The University of Olivet offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -49.6% ROI. Ranked #1596 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,158 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $42,637 median earnings. With 37.0% graduating within six years and 57.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: The University of Olivet's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1596 ranking, The University of Olivet competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,158 annually, The University of Olivet charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 57.3% 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 $14,811 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -49.6% ROI and $42,637 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,158+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: The University of Olivet ranks #1596 of 6272 institutions, with 1045 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
- 37.0% six-year graduation rate sits 25.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 57.3% first-year retention is 19.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -49.6% return on investment is 134.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,637 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,158 is roughly $4,040 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 57.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.5% employment rate within three years sits 24.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,158 is about $4,040 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
The University of Olivet is a private nonprofit university based in Olivet, MI and earns a C+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #1596 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, 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.
About 57.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 37.0% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -49.6% for this program.
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 $21,158 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,849.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,691 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 41.7% 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
Median earnings come in near $42,637 six years after enrollment. That sits about 2% below the national median.
Roughly 92.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -49.6%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.1% 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 The University of Olivet 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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Contact Information
- Address Olivet, MI 49076
- Website www.uolivet.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$21.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate14.8%