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Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL·Private nonprofit·2,485 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

67%
Accept
2,485
Students
$21,539
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$44,000
Earnings
10 yr
$19,313
Debt

About This School

Olivet Nazarene University is a private nonprofit institution located in Bourbonnais, Illinois with approximately 2,485 undergraduate students enrolled. Olivet Nazarene University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 67%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,539 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, and the typical graduate earns $44,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private university in Bourbonnais, Illinois, United States. It is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Named for its founding location, Olivet, Illinois, ONU was originally established as a grammar school in east-central Illinois in 1907. In the late 1930s, it moved to the campus in Bourbonnais.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 60% graduation rate and 68% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth asking about before enrolling. On the financial side, the picture is more manageable — median debt of $19,313 is relatively modest, and a $21,539 average net price is reasonable for a private school, though median earnings of $44,000 a decade out are modest and may constrain loan repayment depending on your field. Worth considering if you're drawn to a faith-integrated, close-knit campus in the Nazarene tradition and have a clear career path, but come with questions about student support and outcomes in your specific major.

Founded
1907
Setting
Small suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions15%
Business & Marketing13%
Education10%
Psychology7%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications6%
Engineering5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ben Zobrist

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1103
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,940
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,940
Avg Net Price
$21,539
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$19,313

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,313
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,313
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White61%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,485 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Olivet Nazarene University

One University Avenue

Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2271

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Illinois

Browse all Illinois schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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