The University of Olivet provides an accessible private college experience with particularly strong affordability for middle-income families who often face challenges with college costs.
The institution maintains a zero default rate among federal loan borrowers, indicating graduates successfully manage their debt obligations despite modest earnings outcomes.
The University of Olivet is a small private nonprofit institution in Michigan that serves students seeking an intimate college experience with strong community values. While the university faces challenges in delivering competitive long-term earnings outcomes—ranking in the lower third nationally for 10-year graduate earnings—it maintains accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 42% of students receiving Pell Grants and one-third being first-generation college students. The institution's mobility quadrant classification as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects both its commitment to serving students who need support and the financial constraints that limit its ability to deliver top-tier outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $47,907 ten years after enrollment, which falls below what similar students achieve at peer institutions by roughly $2,000. However, the university's small size and personal approach create an environment where students receive individual attention that larger institutions cannot match. For families prioritizing affordability and community over maximum earnings potential, Olivet offers net prices that are particularly attractive for middle-income students, making it a viable option for those seeking a private college experience without the typical private college price tag.
The University of Olivet's academic portfolio reflects its mission of preparing students for service-oriented careers rather than maximizing earnings potential. Business Administration and Management leads in both enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 23 students annually who earn around $40,896 ten years out. This represents the institution's strongest financial pathway, though earnings remain modest compared with business programs at other institutions.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology attracts the largest student cohort with 26 graduates, but earnings outcomes at $28,381 reflect the challenges facing this field nationally. Many graduates likely pursue careers in fitness, recreation, or continue to graduate school for physical therapy or related fields. Corrections Administration, with 22 graduates earning $36,560, represents a stable public service pathway that aligns with the university's emphasis on community service and social impact.
The concentration in these three fields—business, exercise science, and corrections—illustrates Olivet's focus on practical, community-oriented programs rather than high-earning professional tracks. While this mission serves important social needs, it contributes to the institution's below-average earnings performance. Students choosing Olivet should understand that they're prioritizing personal growth, community values, and accessible education over maximum financial returns, which may be the right choice for those whose career goals align with service and community impact rather than wealth accumulation.
Graduates of The University of Olivet face modest long-term earnings outcomes compared with national averages. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $47,907, placing the institution in the bottom third nationally for graduate earnings. This performance falls short of expectations, with graduates earning roughly $2,000 less than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating challenges in delivering strong return on investment despite the private college experience.
The university's program portfolio centers on practical fields that lead to stable but moderate-paying careers. Business Administration and Management represents the strongest aggregate return program, graduating 23 students annually with median earnings around $40,896. Exercise Science and Kinesiology enrolls the largest number of students with 26 graduates but shows lower earnings at $28,381, while Corrections Administration graduates 22 students earning about $36,560. These programs reflect Olivet's focus on service-oriented and community-based careers rather than high-earning professional tracks, which helps explain the institution's below-average earnings performance relative to other private colleges.
The University of Olivet demonstrates strong affordability credentials, particularly for middle-income families who often struggle with college costs. Middle-income students pay approximately $17,447 annually in net price, which represents exceptional value for a private institution and places Olivet well below typical private college costs. Low-income students face net prices around $20,658, while higher-income families pay about $25,220, creating a pricing structure that remains accessible across income levels.
Debt levels at Olivet are manageable relative to the private college sector, though they require careful consideration given the institution's modest earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,000. While these amounts are reasonable for a private institution, the combination of moderate debt levels with below-average earnings means graduates need to budget carefully for repayment. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that most borrowers successfully manage their obligations despite the earnings challenges.
The University Of Olivet Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
