Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois · Private Nonprofit · 55.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 50/100 · Below Average Value
Olivet Nazarene University scores 50 (Below Average Value) on the CampusROI scale. Sticker tuition of $38,900 is discounted to a $20,729 net price, but the resulting $82,916 four-year cost stands against $39,300 median 6-year earnings and a 12.2-year payback period. Median debt of $25,000 against $39,300 earnings produces a 0.636 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 60.8% completion rate means roughly 40% of enrolled students do not earn a degree. Repayment rate of 78.8% at three years is below average. Nursing is clearly the best program: 80 graduates, $67,670 year one, $84,705 at four years, B-grade ROI. Engineering (31 graduates, $66,394 year one, $82,632 at four years, B-grade ROI) is the second-strongest. Accounting (10 graduates) reaches $77,132 at four years with a B-grade ROI. Below those three fields, outcomes deteriorate sharply: Psychology (50 graduates) earns $24,194 year one with an F-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 1.116); Communication and Media (27 graduates) earns $23,259 year one with an F-grade; Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates) earns $16,290 year one with an F-grade (debt-to-earnings 1.657). Olivet is an evangelical Nazarene-affiliated university in Bourbonnais, Illinois, 60 miles south of Chicago. The faith community and campus culture attract students whose decision process includes non-financial considerations, but the financial outcomes across most programs are difficult to justify at this price level.
Olivet Nazarene University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $38,900/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $38,900/yr |
| Average net price | $20,729/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $82,916 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,213 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 12.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 60.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,603 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Olivet Nazarene University is $38,900/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,729/year, or roughly $82,916 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,232/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,580/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,213 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.64 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,232 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,056 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,019 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,218 |
| $110,001+ | $25,580 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $17,232 per year at Olivet — above many comparable small private institutions. Four-year total of roughly $68,928 against $39,300 median earnings is a difficult financial picture. Low-income students who complete nursing or engineering and graduate can build defensible returns, but the 60.8% completion rate adds substantial risk of debt without a credential.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $18,019 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $23,218. Middle-income families face net prices that are significant relative to outcomes in most programs. Nursing and engineering graduates can justify these costs; students in arts, communication, and social sciences cannot by Scorecard metrics. Program selection is the decisive factor at every income level.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $25,580 per year — roughly $102,000 over four years. At a 12.2-year payback and $39,300 median earnings, the full-pay case is weak for most programs. The faith community and campus culture are the primary value drivers for high-income families choosing Olivet — the financial return on most programs does not stand on its own.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Olivet Nazarene University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $84,705 | B |
| Psychology | $49,427 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $57,973 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,300 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $47,435 | D |
| Teacher Education | $45,455 | C |
| Engineering, General | $82,632 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,321 | F |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $48,009 | C |
| Social Work | $52,114 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (80 graduates) is Olivet's strongest program: $67,670 year one, $84,705 at four years, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.399, median debt $27,000). The Kankakee and Chicagoland healthcare market creates employment pathways for Olivet nursing graduates. Year-one earnings of $67,670 are solid and well above the institutional median. Despite the institutional-level weak ROI, nursing at Olivet can produce positive returns for graduates who complete the degree.
Engineering, General
Engineering (31 graduates) earns $66,394 year one and $82,632 at four years — B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.407, median debt $27,000). Olivet's engineering program serves students interested in applied engineering fields. The Chicagoland industrial and manufacturing corridor creates demand for engineering graduates from regional schools. Year-one earnings of $66,394 are competitive for this market, and the four-year trajectory to $82,632 is solid.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (49 graduates) earns $47,435 year one and $57,973 at four years — C+-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.527, median debt $25,000). The Chicagoland proximity creates employment pathways but the outcomes are moderate relative to the net price. Year-one earnings of $47,435 are below the national business graduate median for comparable institutions. The four-year figure of $57,973 reflects modest career progression.
Psychology
Psychology (50 graduates) earns $24,194 year one and $49,427 at four years — F-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 1.116, median debt $27,000). A debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0 means graduates owe more than a year's salary. Year-one earnings of $24,194 reflect entry-level human services and mental health technician roles with limited bachelor's-level earnings ceiling. Students intending graduate clinical programs add significant cost on top of this baseline. Psychology at Olivet at the current net price produces outcomes that do not justify the debt load.
Fine and Studio Arts
Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates) earns $16,290 year one — F-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 1.657, median debt $27,000). Scorecard does not report four-year earnings. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.657 means graduates carry debt equal to 1.66 years of their median annual salary. This is the worst program-level ROI in Olivet's portfolio. Fine arts at a private Nazarene university at $27,000 median debt with $16,290 year-one earnings is a financially high-risk choice by Scorecard metrics.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 75.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 74.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 55.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-620 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-26 |
| Enrollment | 2,603 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,582 |
At 55.9%, Olivet is more selective than open-access but not highly competitive. The ACT 19-26 range spans a moderate academic spectrum. Church affiliation and campus culture factors influence enrollment decisions beyond pure academics. The 60.8% completion rate means about 40% of enrolled students do not earn a degree — a meaningful risk factor that applicants should discuss with the college's advising and retention support teams.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Olivet Nazarene's Scorecard peer schools include School of the Art Institute of Chicago (IL), Augustana College (IL), Bob Jones University (SC), Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH), and University of Charleston (WV). Augustana College (ROI approximately 60) and Franciscan (ROI approximately 52) are the most comparable faith-affiliated small private colleges. Olivet's 50 score reflects the typical tension of small evangelical colleges: faith-community value is real but does not improve earnings outcomes. Among this peer group, nursing program strength is the primary differentiator for achieving positive financial returns.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivet Nazarene University (this school) | 50 | $20,729 | $53,213 |
| San Diego Christian College | 51 | $992 | $49,766 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | 51 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| Biola University | 50 | $31,495 | $56,778 |
| Taylor University | 50 | $24,865 | $52,198 |
| Campbell University | 49 | $24,516 | $54,886 |
Who Thrives Here
Olivet Nazarene admits 55.9% of applicants — moderately selective. SAT mid-ranges are 460-600 Math and 490-620 Reading; ACT composite 19-26. Enrollment of 2,603 is small-medium. Pell rate of 38.0% reflects significant financial need. The campus is Nazarene-affiliated with faith-based community expectations. Students who align with the faith culture and enter nursing, engineering, or business have meaningful career pathways from this institution. Students who enter arts, communication, or social sciences at a $20,729 net price with weak earnings outcomes and a 60.8% completion rate face high financial risk.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Olivet Nazarene University is mixed. At $20,729 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry - a payback period of 12.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $25,000 against $53,213 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.