Olivet Nazarene University, established in 1907 in Bourbonnais, Illinois, is a Christian liberal arts university with strengths in engineering, nursing, and ministry. It ranks for value and spiritual growth.
The campus includes a engineering innovation center, chapel, and NCAA Division III athletics. Its tight-knit community fosters academic and faith-based development.
Olivet Nazarene University Acceptance Rate
Olivet Nazarene University is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 57.8%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Olivet Nazarene University Admission Requirements
Olivet Nazarene University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Olivet Nazarene University is 3.38. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.08 and 3.38, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Olivet Nazarene University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Olivet Nazarene University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.38, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.38 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.18 – 3.37 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.98 – 3.17 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.97 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Olivet Nazarene University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Olivet Nazarene University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Olivet Nazarene University Average SAT Score: 1085
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Olivet Nazarene University is 1085 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1085 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Olivet Nazarene University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Olivet Nazarene University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1085 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at Olivet Nazarene University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Olivet Nazarene University with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Olivet Nazarene University are good but the admission staff at Olivet Nazarene University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Olivet Nazarene University Profile
Name: Olivet Nazarene University
City: Bourbonnais
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 60914-2271
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Olivet Nazarene University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Olivet Nazarene University is USD: 49685. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Olivet Nazarene University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
35% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 69.73 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Olivet Nazarene University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Olivet Nazarene University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Olivet Nazarene University as your choice in the form.
How much a Olivet Nazarene University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 53213. An average Olivet Nazarene University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Olivet Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1075 | 21 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1062 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Georgia Southwestern State University, GA | 1075 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Olivet Nazarene University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1086 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1091 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1089 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1090 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Olivet Nazarene University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About Olivet Nazarene University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53213 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $49685 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Olivet Nazarene University is 57.8 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.38. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.08, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.08, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.08 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.98 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Olivet Nazarene University if my GPA is below 2.98
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.38, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Olivet Nazarene University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1085 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Olivet Nazarene University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.