About Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University weaves Christian faith into every corner of academic life through its Church of the Nazarene affiliation. The university enrolls 1,346 students in a small town setting that fosters close relationships between faculty and peers. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The school emphasizes service learning and character development alongside traditional academics. With an 85% acceptance rate, MVNU welcomes students seeking a faith-centered education.
Students pay an average net price of $21,812 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $46,920. Graduates earn a median of $49,555 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments of $265. The employment rate reaches 97.3%, suggesting strong career preparation. Nearly 57% of students take federal loans to finance their education.
The student body skews heavily female at 61% and draws primarily from Ohio, with 87% of students coming from in-state. MVNU Cougars compete in 19 varsity sports through NAIA athletics, distributing nearly $2.4 million in athletic scholarships among 384 student-athletes. The 80% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the tight-knit Christian community.
Students pay an average net price of $21,812 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $46,920. Graduates earn a median of $49,555 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments of $265. The employment rate reaches 97.3%, suggesting strong career preparation. Nearly 57% of students take federal loans to finance their education.
The student body skews heavily female at 61% and draws primarily from Ohio, with 87% of students coming from in-state. MVNU Cougars compete in 19 varsity sports through NAIA athletics, distributing nearly $2.4 million in athletic scholarships among 384 student-athletes. The 80% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the tight-knit Christian community.
Academics & Faculty
Mount Vernon Nazarene integrates Christian faith with liberal arts education across its academic programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where professors know students by name. With a 66% four-year graduation rate, students receive strong academic support through their degree completion. The university emphasizes practical ministry preparation alongside traditional disciplines like education, business, and nursing. Faculty members are practicing Christians who connect coursework to faith perspectives. Students engage in service learning and mission opportunities that complement classroom study. The Nazarene affiliation shapes curriculum design, ensuring graduates develop both professional competencies and spiritual maturity for careers in ministry, education, healthcare, and business leadership roles.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 92.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.6%
- Retention Rate
- 79.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,555
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,210 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $38,829 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $34,847 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,847 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
Campus Life
Mount Vernon sits an hour northeast of Columbus, giving students access to Ohio's capital while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. With housing capacity for 1,076 students and total enrollment of 1,346, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. Ohio winters require heavy coats and boots, while springs and falls offer comfortable weather for the university's 19 varsity sports programs.
The Cougars compete in NAIA athletics, with 384 student-athletes representing nearly 30% of the student body. Faith integration shapes campus life through required chapel services and Christian worldview courses. With 86.67% of students coming from in-state, many arrive already familiar with Ohio's seasons and small-town culture. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics. Weekends often center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to nearby Columbus for shopping or entertainment. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation means alcohol policies are strict, and social activities emphasize community service and fellowship over typical college party culture.
The Cougars compete in NAIA athletics, with 384 student-athletes representing nearly 30% of the student body. Faith integration shapes campus life through required chapel services and Christian worldview courses. With 86.67% of students coming from in-state, many arrive already familiar with Ohio's seasons and small-town culture. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics. Weekends often center around athletic events, campus ministry activities, and trips to nearby Columbus for shopping or entertainment. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation means alcohol policies are strict, and social activities emphasize community service and fellowship over typical college party culture.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,076 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–32°F
- July Avg
- 58°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The student body at Mount Vernon Nazarene draws heavily from Ohio, with 87% coming from in-state. Women outnumber men , reflecting the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract female students. Nearly 29% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and working-class families. The overwhelmingly white student population mirrors rural Ohio demographics. Students choose MVNU for its tight-knit Christian community where faith shapes campus life. Most come seeking a personalized education rooted in Nazarene values within driving distance of home.
- Men
- 38.6%
- Women
- 61.4%
- White
- 86.9%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 3.4%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 86.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.9%
Location
Mount Vernon sits about 50 miles northeast of Columbus in rural central Ohio. The town of 17,000 residents provides a classic small-town college environment where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. With 86.67% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Ohio's rolling farmland and tight-knit communities. The campus sits in Knox County, known for its agricultural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. Downtown Mount Vernon offers historic charm with local shops and restaurants within walking distance of campus. The rural setting creates a close campus community where the student-faculty ratio of 12:1 feels even more personal. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Mount Vernon Nazarene University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050-9500
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,555
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,869
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mount Vernon Nazarene University?
Mount Vernon Nazarene University accepts 85.33% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The average SAT score is 1096, with middle 50% scores ranging from 963 to 1228.
How much does Mount Vernon Nazarene University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,812 after aid, lower than the full tuition of $35,524. Students typically graduate with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.
What are the academics like at Mount Vernon Nazarene University?
The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,346 total students. As a Church of the Nazarene institution founded in 1968, the school integrates Christian faith throughout its academic programs.
What career outcomes do Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $49,555 ten years after graduation with a 97.3% employment rate. The 6-year graduation rate is 63.60%, while the 4-year rate reaches 66.24%.
Where do Mount Vernon Nazarene University students live and what is campus life like?
The campus houses 1,076 students in residence halls, with room and board costing $9,996. Students can participate in 19 varsity sports as the Cougars, competing at the NAIA level with 384 total athletes.
Is Mount Vernon Nazarene University diverse in its student body?
The student body is 61.37% women and 38.63% men, with 86.85% of students identifying as white. About 86.67% of students come from Ohio, reflecting the university's strong regional draw in the small town of Mount Vernon.
