About MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University brings Christian faith and liberal arts education together for 977 students in suburban Kansas City. The Church of the Nazarene affiliate accepts 67% of applicants with average SAT scores of 1017. Students find a close-knit academic environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that emphasizes both spiritual growth and career preparation.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $29,520 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $62,972 ten years after graduation. That creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio, especially with typical debt loads of just $15,000. Monthly loan payments average $159, making the investment manageable for most graduates. The 98.1% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes despite modest graduation rates.
Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 553 student-athletes competing in 16 NAIA sports as the Pioneers. The university awards over $6.3 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a viable path to affordability. The diverse student body includes 15% Black students and draws from across the Midwest, though retention struggles at 61% suggest the tight-knit environment doesn't work for everyone.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $29,520 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $62,972 ten years after graduation. That creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio, especially with typical debt loads of just $15,000. Monthly loan payments average $159, making the investment manageable for most graduates. The 98.1% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes despite modest graduation rates.
Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 553 student-athletes competing in 16 NAIA sports as the Pioneers. The university awards over $6.3 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a viable path to affordability. The diverse student body includes 15% Black students and draws from across the Midwest, though retention struggles at 61% suggest the tight-knit environment doesn't work for everyone.
Academics & Faculty
MidAmerica Nazarene integrates Christian faith with liberal arts education across undergraduate and graduate programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who often incorporate spiritual development alongside academic learning. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community service as part of its Nazarene mission. Programs in business, education, and nursing draw students seeking career preparation within a faith-based environment. Faculty mentorship extends beyond academics to include spiritual guidance and character development. The small class sizes foster close relationships between students and professors who view teaching as ministry.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.2%
- Retention Rate
- 61.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,972
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,177 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,218 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,626 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,106 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,331 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $35,600 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $22,485 |
Campus Life
This Kansas campus sits in suburban Olathe, about 20 miles southwest of Kansas City's downtown core. With 977 students and housing capacity for 628, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus in a close-knit Christian community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Kansas weather demands both winter coats for January snow and shorts for sweltering July heat.
The Nazarene faith shapes daily rhythms through chapel services and campus ministry programs. With 553 athletes competing in 16 NAIA sports, Pioneers games draw solid crowds to support basketball, soccer, and baseball teams. Students often head to Kansas City on weekends for Royals games, barbecue joints, and shopping at Crown Center. The 61% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit in this faith-focused environment. Campus traditions center around homecoming and spiritual emphasis weeks. Greek life doesn't exist here, but small group Bible studies and intramural sports fill the social calendar for students seeking Christian fellowship alongside their liberal arts education.
The Nazarene faith shapes daily rhythms through chapel services and campus ministry programs. With 553 athletes competing in 16 NAIA sports, Pioneers games draw solid crowds to support basketball, soccer, and baseball teams. Students often head to Kansas City on weekends for Royals games, barbecue joints, and shopping at Crown Center. The 61% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit in this faith-focused environment. Campus traditions center around homecoming and spiritual emphasis weeks. Greek life doesn't exist here, but small group Bible studies and intramural sports fill the social calendar for students seeking Christian fellowship alongside their liberal arts education.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 628 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 81.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.9"
Student Demographics
MidAmerica Nazarene draws an equal split of men and women to its Christian campus. The student body is 62% white with notable Black and Hispanic representation reflecting Kansas City area demographics. Nearly half the students come from out-of-state, showing the Church of the Nazarene's national reach in recruiting faithful families. With 28% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves working-class Christian families seeking affordable faith-based education. The diverse mix aligns with the Nazarene tradition of welcoming students regardless of economic background while maintaining strong denominational ties.
- Men
- 48.0%
- Women
- 52.0%
- White
- 61.6%
- Black
- 14.9%
- Hispanic
- 8.5%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 47.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.5%
Location
MidAmerica Nazarene University sits in Olathe, Kansas, about 20 miles southwest of Kansas City. The school draws 47% of its students from within Kansas. Olathe ranks as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Kansas City metro area, offering small-town charm with big-city access. The campus provides a traditional college environment in Johnson County, known for its excellent schools and family-friendly communities. Students can easily reach Kansas City's internship opportunities, cultural attractions, and professional sports teams. The suburban setting appeals to the 628 students living on campus who want both community feel and urban convenience. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare MidAmerica Nazarene University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Olathe, Kansas 66062-1899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,972
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,253
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
MidAmerica Nazarene University accepts 66.82% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1017. This Christian liberal arts school looks for students who align with its Church of the Nazarene values alongside academic preparation.
How much does MidAmerica Nazarene University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $29,520 annually, down from the full tuition of $36,120. The university awards institutional grants averaging $22,757 to help make its Christian education more accessible to families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio across its 977 enrolled students. This small class environment reflects the school's commitment to personalized Christian education and mentorship.
What are the graduation outcomes at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 46.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $62,972 ten years after graduation. Alumni benefit from the university's strong emphasis on service-oriented careers and Christian leadership development.
Where is MidAmerica Nazarene University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Olathe, Kansas, a large suburb that provides both community feel and access to Kansas City opportunities. With housing for 628 students and 16 varsity sports competing in NAIA, the Pioneers create a tight-knit Christian community.
How strong is the athletic program at MidAmerica Nazarene University?
The Pioneers field 16 varsity sports with 553 total athletes, supported by over $6.3 million in athletic scholarships. This represents a significant portion of the 977-student body, making athletics a central part of campus culture and the Christian student experience.
