About Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University was founded in 1907 by several families in east central Illinois who were committed to providing a Christian education for their children. In 1909, after the land was acquired, the school became a liberal arts college that operated under the name Illinois Holiness University. In 1912, the school became associated with the Church of the Nazarene. Over the next few decades, the school grew in size, was renamed to what it is known as today, Olivet Nazarene University, and moved its campus to Bourbonnais, Illinois. The stated mission of Olivet Nazarene University is “to provide high-quality academic instruction for the purpose of personal development, career, and professional readiness, and the preparation of individuals for lives of service to God and humanity.”
Olivet Nazarene University awards associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Olivet Online offers online degrees in business, nursing, education, and ministry. Using the cohort model, programs are completed entirely online in an accelerated format in approximately two years or less.
Accreditation & Licensing
Olivet Nazarene University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Church of the NazareneEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 2,739 ; Graduate: 989Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 4% ; Graduate: 96%Graduation Rate:
61%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$53,213Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$25,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
98%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$29,047Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Olivet Nazarene University
All Programs
Business
Education
Nursing
Religion & Philosophy
Filters
Olivet Nazarene University offers a fast path in nursing, and students can finish in about 16 months. The pace is demanding from start to finish. Success often means daily study, weekend clinicals, long drives, and 12-hour shifts. Even near the end, students may still carry several classes with clinical work.
Costs can vary a lot by program and student plan. One ABSN example was above $55,000 before books, scrubs, and gas. Some students may also receive aid, such as a 20% admissions discount. For many students, the path to finish is clear, but cost and time depend on clinical hours and placement details.
At Olivet Nazarene University, support shows up in daily class life. Professors are easy to reach and ready to help. Small classes make it easier to ask questions and get quick answers.
Advising stays steady, and students get clear follow-through as they move ahead. Classes are challenging, but students also get real encouragement to keep going. That balance helps many students stay on track through later courses and clinical work.
Students also describe a reliable support network with instructors and classmates. The overall feel is personal, caring, and focused on helping students succeed.
Online classes at ONU can fit busy schedules. Canvas is used for classes. The school also offers ways to stay involved, including clubs and service options. Pace changes in nursing tracks.
Clinical work adds fixed time blocks. One path lists 120 clinical hours per class, 720 total. The final stretch can still include four classes and clinicals. That structure supports progress, but the schedule is tight.
Classes at Olivet Nazarene University feel personal and challenging. Professors expect students to think hard and stay engaged. Small classes help students know their instructors and peers. Learning is active, not passive.
Coursework can be heavy, with lots of reading and regular quizzes. Steady effort each week is important. The tone in class mixes high expectations with close faculty support. Many students grow through that balance.
In nursing, the bar is even higher. Grading is strict, and clinical work carries real pressure. Clinical shadowing is a strong part of training. It helps connect class lessons to real patient care.
Olivet Nazarene University offers strong teaching in small classes. Professors know students by name and push them to do meaningful work. Courses are challenging, and expectations stay clear. Many students also value the Christian setting and the steady routine it brings.
Online learners can expect regular instructor contact, a set pace, and clear deadlines. Nursing paths can move fast, including a 16-month ABSN option. The work is intense, with long clinical shifts and many required hours.
ONU fits students who want structure, challenge, and close support from faculty. It works best for people ready for a demanding schedule and a serious workload.
Olivet Nazarene University offers strong teaching in small classes. Professors know students by name and push them to do meaningful work. Courses are challenging, and expectations stay clear. Many students also value the Christian setting and the steady routine it brings.
Online learners can expect regular instructor contact, a set pace, and clear deadlines. Nursing paths can move fast, including a 16-month ABSN option. The work is intense, with long clinical shifts and many required hours.
ONU fits students who want structure, challenge, and close support from faculty. It works best for people ready for a demanding schedule and a serious workload.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olivet Nazarene University
Is Olivet Nazarene University accredited?
Yes. Olivet Nazarene University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Olivet Nazarene University offer?
Olivet Nazarene University offers 26 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Olivet Nazarene University offer?
Olivet Nazarene University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Olivet Nazarene University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Olivet Nazarene University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Olivet Nazarene University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Olivet Nazarene University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Olivet Nazarene University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Olivet Nazarene University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is Olivet Nazarene University military friendly?
Olivet Nazarene University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Olivet Nazarene University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Olivet Nazarene University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Occupational License, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Additional Materials May Be Required. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Olivet Nazarene University accept life experience credit?
Olivet Nazarene University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Olivet Nazarene University programs fully online or mixed?
Olivet Nazarene University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Olivet Nazarene University offer?
Olivet Nazarene University has online program options in areas such as Business, Religion & Philosophy, Nursing, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Olivet Nazarene University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Olivet Nazarene University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Olivet Nazarene University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Olivet Nazarene University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Olivet Nazarene University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Olivet Nazarene University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Olivet Nazarene University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Olivet Nazarene University is featured in 8 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Olivet Nazarene University is located in Illinois
Illinois at a Glance:
Top Majors in Illinois:
Top Incentives in Illinois:
- Monetary Award Program (MAP): Up to $5,340 annually
Top Career Pathways in Illinois:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, FRM