Students at Olivet Nazarene University benefit from above-average long-term earnings, particularly in nursing and engineering programs that consistently lead to stable, well-paying careers.
The university's zero default rate and strong loan repayment patterns demonstrate that graduates successfully manage their educational investments.
Olivet Nazarene University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Bourbonnais, Illinois, that combines Christian values with professional program strength. The university delivers above-average earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $53,213 ten years after enrollment, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally for long-term financial returns. This performance reflects the institution's focus on career-oriented programs, particularly in nursing and engineering, which consistently produce graduates who enter stable, well-paying fields.
What distinguishes Olivet Nazarene is its ability to maintain strong outcomes while serving a diverse student body that includes 35% Pell Grant recipients and 28% first-generation college students. The university's completion rates are solid, with 60% of students graduating within six years, and nursing programs in particular show exceptional earning potential with graduates reaching median salaries of $65,855.
As a faith-based institution, Olivet Nazarene offers the personal attention of a smaller university while maintaining the academic rigor needed for professional licensure and career success. The combination of values-centered education, strong program outcomes in high-demand fields, and moderate affordability makes it an appealing choice for students seeking both personal growth and career preparation.
Olivet Nazarene University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that provide clear career pathways and stable employment prospects. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program with 152 graduates and the highest-earning field, with median salaries of $65,855 reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals. Applied Engineering, graduating 79 students annually, produces competitive earnings of $63,997 and represents the university's commitment to technical education in high-demand fields.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, licensure-based education that prepares students for specific career outcomes rather than broad liberal arts exploration. Applied Economics graduates, though fewer in number at 33 students, still achieve solid earnings around $49,058, while Business Administration graduates enter the workforce at more modest but stable salary levels near $39,784. This pattern reflects the institution's focus on regional employment markets and professional preparation.
What makes Olivet Nazarene's program approach distinctive is its integration of Christian values with career-focused education, particularly in healthcare and engineering fields where ethical foundations complement technical skills. The university's relatively small program scale allows for personalized attention and mentorship, which helps explain the strong completion rates and successful career placement in these professional fields.
Graduates of Olivet Nazarene University achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the institution's strength in professional programs. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $53,213, positioning the university above average nationally for earnings outcomes. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared with similar institutions, the consistent performance across key programs provides reliable career preparation for students entering healthcare, engineering, and business fields.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing and engineering programs, which form the backbone of its career-focused mission. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest program with 152 students, earn a median of $65,855 and generate the highest aggregate return for the institution. Applied Engineering, with 79 graduates, produces median earnings of $63,997, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the regional job market. Even programs like Applied Economics, with smaller enrollment, deliver competitive outcomes with graduates earning around $49,058.
Business Administration graduates, while earning more modest salaries around $39,784, still find stable employment in the regional economy. The university's program mix emphasizes practical, licensure-based fields that provide clear career pathways and steady employment prospects, making it particularly valuable for students who want predictable professional outcomes rather than speculative high-earning potential.
Olivet Nazarene University maintains moderate affordability for a private institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $17,617 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,653, and higher-income families pay about $26,174. These prices reflect the university's commitment to making private education accessible through substantial financial aid, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Debt levels at Olivet Nazarene are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical students leave with about $25,000 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $17,867. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully. With median earnings of $53,213 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain.
The university's loan repayment patterns show that borrowers make steady progress paying down their balances, with performance consistently above national averages. By year four after graduation, borrowers have paid off about 12% of their original balance, placing the institution in the 84th percentile nationally for balance reduction. This strong repayment performance reflects both the career-focused nature of the programs and the financial literacy support the university provides to students.
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