Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Bourbonnais, Illinois
66.9% Acceptance Rate
Olivet Nazarene University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
66.9%Acceptance Rate
3.38Avg GPA
1103Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$50,557Annual Cost
$53,213Grad Salary
35.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
66.9%
Avg GPA
3.38
Avg SAT
1103
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
960–1190
ACT Middle 50%
18–28
Need-Based Aid
35.3% receive Pell
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 takes a broad view of applicants, admitting about 66.9% each year.
What Olivet Nazarene University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 66.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.38 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.18 – 3.37
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.93
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Olivet Nazarene University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Olivet Nazarene University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Olivet Nazarene University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Competitive scholarship priority: 2027/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Olivet Nazarene University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Olivet Nazarene University is 3.38. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.08–3.38 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.58–3.78.Olivet Nazarene University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- ~56-68% acceptance rate (sources vary); test-optional; recommendation letters optional
- "Fly On Us": up to $500 airfare reimbursement for one campus visit before June 1, credited post-enrollment
- Honors Program includes funded mentored research and a funded junior-year study abroad opportunity
- School of Music and Art/Digital Media hold Apple Distinguished School status since 2014
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Olivet Nazarene University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Olivet Nazarene University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Olivet Nazarene University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Olivet Nazarene University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Olivet Nazarene University Without SAT or ACT?
Olivet Nazarene University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Olivet Nazarene University Average SAT Score: 1103
Admitted students at Olivet Nazarene University average a 1103 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1103 — Less Competitive
A 1103 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Olivet Nazarene University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 960? A retake is worth it at Olivet Nazarene University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 535 | 480 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 540 | 480 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1103 | 960 | 1190 |
A score under 960 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1190+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Olivet Nazarene University with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in Olivet Nazarene University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Olivet Nazarene University ACT Requirements
Olivet Nazarene University's admitted students average an ACT of 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 23 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 18 | 27 |
| ACT English | 23 | 18 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 18 | 28 |
Can I get into Olivet Nazarene University with a 28 ACT?
At 28, you're in the top quarter of Olivet Nazarene University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Olivet Nazarene University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Olivet Nazarene University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Olivet Nazarene University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Take the "Fly On Us" visit reimbursement seriously
Olivet will reimburse up to $500 in airfare for one prospective-student campus visit before June 1, credited after enrollment. If you're too far to drive and on the fence, this removes the cost barrier to visiting - use it before making a final decision rather than deciding sight-unseen.
Target the funded Honors Program if you qualify
Olivet's Honors Program includes funded one-on-one mentored research with a professor of your choice and a funded study-abroad opportunity during junior year - real financial backing, not just a title. If you're near the top 10% of your class, ask specifically about Honors Program funding details during your application, since it's a distinct track from general admission.
Decide on test scores using the real submission data
Only about 39% of Olivet's admitted students submit SAT and 26% submit ACT - it's genuinely optional in practice at this test-optional, holistic-review school. If your scores fall below the middle-50% range (SAT 970-1200 / ACT 19-26), skip submission and lean on your GPA and essay instead.
Reference the music/arts Apple Distinguished School status if relevant
Olivet's School of Music and Department of Art and Digital Media have held Apple Distinguished School designation since 2014 for their iLearn@Olivet technology integration. If you're applying to either program, name this distinction specifically - it's a real, checkable credential unique to those departments, not general school marketing.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes skip the campus visit because of distance or cost, not realizing Olivet will reimburse travel - a genuinely differentiated way to build the "demonstrated interest" that private, mission-driven schools like this weigh in admissions and scholarship decisions.
Olivet Nazarene University Profile
Full Name
Olivet Nazarene University
City
Bourbonnais
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60914-2271
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Olivet Nazarene University Degree Worth It?
At $50,557/year against a $53,213 median graduate salary, Olivet Nazarene University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $66,200, and graduates see a 3.54% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Olivet Nazarene University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $50,557/year at Olivet Nazarene University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Olivet Nazarene University, 35.3% receive a Pell Grant and 68% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Olivet Nazarene University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Olivet Nazarene University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Olivet Nazarene University graduates report a median income of $53,213, about 31% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 1100 | 22 |
| Flagler College | Saint Augustine, FL | 1099 | 22 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Olivet Nazarene University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Olivet Nazarene University Admissions
Olivet Nazarene University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $53,213/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Olivet Nazarene University runs high, at roughly $50,557+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
35.3% of Olivet Nazarene University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Olivet Nazarene University's acceptance rate is 66.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Olivet Nazarene University students is 3.38, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.08 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Olivet Nazarene University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.98 or below makes admission tougher at Olivet Nazarene University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Olivet Nazarene University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1103, and within the 960–1190 range, keeps you competitive.
Olivet Nazarene University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Competitive scholarship priority: 2027/02/01. That's Olivet Nazarene University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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