About Eastern Nazarene College
Eastern Nazarene College brings together 378 students in a small Christian liberal arts environment just outside Boston. The Church of the Nazarene institution has operated since 1900, building a reputation for integrating faith with academic study. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The college emphasizes service learning and spiritual development alongside traditional liberal arts education.
The financial picture shows mixed results for families. Students pay an average net price of $17,733 after aid, below the $28,610 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $54,727 ten years after college, which creates challenges given the typical $26,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $276 for graduates. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many from lower-income backgrounds.
Retention tells a concerning story about student satisfaction and support. Only 62% of students return for their sophomore year, well below national averages. The six-year graduation rate of 35% suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The college fields 15 NCAA Division III sports teams with 170 total athletes, creating opportunities for student-athletes in a small-college setting.
The financial picture shows mixed results for families. Students pay an average net price of $17,733 after aid, below the $28,610 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $54,727 ten years after college, which creates challenges given the typical $26,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $276 for graduates. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many from lower-income backgrounds.
Retention tells a concerning story about student satisfaction and support. Only 62% of students return for their sophomore year, well below national averages. The six-year graduation rate of 35% suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The college fields 15 NCAA Division III sports teams with 170 total athletes, creating opportunities for student-athletes in a small-college setting.
Academics & Faculty
Eastern Nazarene College operates as a Christian liberal arts college where faith integrates with academic study across disciplines. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention in small classes. However, only 35% of students graduate within six years, suggesting many struggle to complete their programs despite the close mentoring available. The college emphasizes preparing students for service-oriented careers through programs in education, social work, and ministry. With 378 total students, everyone participates in campus life and builds close relationships with classmates. The liberal arts foundation develops critical thinking skills while the Christian perspective shapes how students approach their chosen fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 31.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.3%
- Retention Rate
- 61.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,727
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,035 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,926 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Eastern Nazarene's tiny campus sits just 10 miles south of downtown Boston, giving students easy access to internships and city life. With enrollment at only 378 students, you'll recognize most faces walking between the historic brick buildings. The student-faculty ratio of 8:1 means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Winter coats are essential from December through March as New England temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Housing capacity reaches 594 students, though many commute from the greater Boston area since 38% come from Massachusetts. The campus feels quiet on weekends as students often head into Boston for entertainment, taking advantage of the nearby Red Line T station. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation shapes campus culture with required chapel attendance and a dry campus policy. With 170 students participating in 15 varsity sports, athletic events draw decent crowds despite the small enrollment. The retention rate of 62% suggests many students struggle to adjust to the strict religious environment or find their academic fit.
Housing capacity reaches 594 students, though many commute from the greater Boston area since 38% come from Massachusetts. The campus feels quiet on weekends as students often head into Boston for entertainment, taking advantage of the nearby Red Line T station. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation shapes campus culture with required chapel attendance and a dry campus policy. With 170 students participating in 15 varsity sports, athletic events draw decent crowds despite the small enrollment. The retention rate of 62% suggests many students struggle to adjust to the strict religious environment or find their academic fit.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 594 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1900
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–37°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 50.9"
Student Demographics
Eastern Nazarene draws a diverse student body that reflects its urban Boston location and Christian mission. The college attracts students from across New England and beyond, with roughly two-thirds coming from outside Massachusetts. Students of color make up nearly half the campus, creating a multicultural environment uncommon at many small Christian colleges. The student body skews slightly male, likely reflecting strong programs in business and ministry. Many students come from working-class families, with over a third receiving Pell Grants, aligning with the Nazarene tradition of serving first-generation college students.
- Men
- 56.6%
- Women
- 43.4%
- White
- 34.9%
- Black
- 13.8%
- Hispanic
- 25.1%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 38.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.0%
Location
Eastern Nazarene College sits in Quincy, Massachusetts, just 10 miles south of downtown Boston. The suburban setting gives students access to one of America's most college-dense metropolitan areas without the intensity of living directly in the city. Quincy offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts along the South Shore. The college draws 38% of its students from Massachusetts, while the majority come from out of state to experience New England's educational landscape. Students can reach Boston's cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and other colleges via public transportation. The location provides both suburban calm and urban access within America's historic northeast corridor. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Eastern Nazarene College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Quincy, Massachusetts 02170-2999
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,727
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,494
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Nazarene College?
Eastern Nazarene College accepts 61.92% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1065. This small Christian liberal arts college provides accessible admission for students seeking faith-based education in the Boston area.
How much does Eastern Nazarene College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,733 annually, well below the published tuition of $28,610. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, making this Nazarene institution affordable for middle and lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern Nazarene College?
The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 378 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in a close-knit Christian community focused on well-rounded development.
Does Eastern Nazarene College have good graduation outcomes?
Only 35.30% of students graduate within six years, which is concerning for retention. However, graduates earn a median salary of $54,727 ten years after enrollment, and 94.7% find employment after graduation.
Where is Eastern Nazarene College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Quincy, Massachusetts, a large suburb near Boston with housing for 594 students. Founded in 1900, this Church of the Nazarene institution offers 15 varsity sports and emphasizes Christian values in a diverse community where 56.61% of students are male.
How diverse is Eastern Nazarene College's student body?
The student population is 34.92% White, 25.13% Hispanic, and 13.76% Black, creating notable diversity for a small Christian college. Only 38.21% of students come from Massachusetts, drawing a geographically diverse community to this faith-based institution.
