undergrad-partner-school

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais , IL

Located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Olivet Nazarene University is a private Christian liberal arts institution that was founded in 1907. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith integration, the university offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Olivet Nazarene University is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and provides a supportive and nurturing environment for students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. The university's mission is to educate students for responsible living and service to God and humanity, and this is reflected in their commitment to holistic education and character development.

Olivet Nazarene University boasts a vibrant campus community where students can actively engage in extracurricular activities and take part in numerous spiritual enrichment opportunities. The university's core values, which include faith, knowledge, reason, integrity, and community, form the foundation for its commitment to holistic education. Students are encouraged to explore their faith and deepen their spiritual lives through chapel services, Bible studies, and various ministry and service opportunities. In addition, Olivet offers a wide range of academic resources and support services to help students succeed in their studies, including academic advising, career counseling, and a dedicated team of faculty who are committed to providing a dynamic learning environment.

Olivet Nazarene University stands out for its commitment to service and developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities. The university's Excellent Quality Programs (EQUIP) initiative helps students develop leadership skills and gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and global study opportunities. Moreover, Olivet is known for its strong alumni network, with graduates making a significant impact in various fields, including business, healthcare, education, and ministry. With its focus on cultivating the mind, spirit, and character of its students, Olivet Nazarene University provides a nurturing and transformative educational experience.

Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private university. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 55%. The freshman retention rate at Olivet Nazarene University is 73% and the six-year graduation rate is 61%.

Find out more about what you can expect if you get into Olivet Nazarene University.

Quick Facts

2,704

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

$40,130

Tuition

16:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

61%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

In order to maximize your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission. Here are the most important facts you need to know about admission policy and requirements at Olivet Nazarene University.

According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 3,234 in 2025.

Test Scores

29% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 16% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 4.29% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 24.46% between 1,200 and 1,399, 41.63% between 1,000 and 1,199, 24.89% between 800 and 999, and 4.72% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 13.6, 32 between 24-29, 35.2 in the range between 18-23, 18.4 between 12-17, and 0.8 between 6-11.

The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.57. Accordingly, you'll probably need an above-average GPA in order to be granted acceptance.

Average Test Scores

Retention Rate

What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.

The freshman retention rate for Olivet Nazarene University was 73% in 2025, reflecting the superb quality of the educational programs at this institution.

The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. The six-year completion rate at this institution is 61%.

Student Body

Deciding if a school is the best fit for you is not an easy task. Gaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.

Main Student Body

The total number of students enrolled at Olivet Nazarene University in 2025 was 3,332.

The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 41% for that year. There was a total of 2,704 students working towards bachelor's degrees, including 55 international students.

Student Population Gender Ratio

The student body is coeducational, with 1,197 male and 1,401 female full-time students in 2025. This school had 20 full-time graduate male and 34 full-time graduate female students at this school.

Student Population Diversity

In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Olivet Nazarene University.

In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 54, while the number of Afro-American students was 212. 344 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 93 identified with more than one race. The school also had 40 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 7 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 257 students whose ethnicity is unknown.

Cost

The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. Here are some important facts on Olivet Nazarene University costs that most students encounter at this school.

Tuition and Fees

Wondering about tuition at Olivet Nazarene University? Here is what you need to know.

Tuition in 2025 was $40,130 for full-time domestic students. Since Olivet Nazarene University is a private institution, tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Full-time students in 2025 were mandated to pay additional fees in the amount of $990.

Books and Supplies

The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant expense. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $850.

Boarding

When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?

In 2025, the price of room and board at Olivet Nazarene University was $11,990 per academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $6,870.

Tuition $ 40,130
Room and Board $ 11,990
Book and Supplies $ 850
Total Expense $ 52,970

Financial Aid

Obtaining some financial help in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be crucial for finishing your studies. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based aid at Olivet Nazarene University.

The most recent records show that 653 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students came to $35,237.

Need-based

Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.

1,937 students gained some form of need-based financial aid. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 1,945. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution reached $7,750,247, and state $5,388,179. The students of Olivet Nazarene University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $41,117,375, and external in the amount of $533,369.

$20,447

Average Amount of Aid Received

Non-Need Based

Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.

Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 474 students overall (including freshmen) at Olivet Nazarene University in 2025. 184 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $7,750,247 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $1,042,548. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $15,026,658. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $805,242 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).

Majors

Faculty

16:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.

In 2025, this ratio at Olivet Nazarene University was 16:1. That means that there were 16 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 320. This number included 143 male and 157 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Olivet Nazarene University.

Student Population Diversity Graph

0
100
0
100

Campus Life

It is not all about learning and grades at Olivet Nazarene University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Check out some details about social life at Olivet Nazarene University.

Student Organizations

A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.

According to the most recent information, there are 47 open-membership organizations at Olivet Nazarene University. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Capitol Hill Gang, followed by Law & Politics Society and Entrepreneurship Club. Other popular organizations at Olivet Nazarene University are Zoology Club and Accounting Club.

Those who like music can join the Olivet Nazarene University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club.

Student Services

Olivet Nazarene University has a number of services important for a pleasant and secure life on campus.

There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.

All in all, campus life at Olivet Nazarene University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.

Career Services

Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Olivet Nazarene University.

Career Counselling

At Olivet Nazarene University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students.

FAQ

Olivet Nazarene University is located in Bourbonnais, IL.

The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Olivet Nazarene University is 40,130 USD, based on the most recent data.

This school uses standardized test scores for admission.

The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Olivet Nazarene University is 55%.

The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Olivet Nazarene University is 73%.

Contact Information

Olivet Nazarene University

One University Avenue

Bourbonnais , IL

60914

800 648-1463

School Website

Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.

Find the best schools for you.

Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.

Get started