At $21,539/yr net price, Olivet Nazarene University graduates earn $53,213/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,213/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,539 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,213/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,213/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,617/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,148/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,653/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,922/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,174/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,004 | $42,454 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $88,786 | |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $78,971 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Certificate | $67,899 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,855 | $26,248 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $27,000 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,286 | $14,593 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,316 | $15,938 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,058 | $26,991 |
The Risk Factor
60.3% of students at Olivet Nazarene University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Olivet Nazarene University delivers mixed financial returns with nursing programs driving most of the value. Your median earnings of $53,213 after ten years barely justify the $21,539 annual net price, creating a payback period that stretches longer than most careers can afford.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning up to $91,004 annually. Even accounting for higher debt loads of $42,454 in some nursing tracks, these programs generate strong returns. Education majors also perform well at $78,971, making teaching roles financially viable from this campus.
The 60% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without degrees, making their investment worthless. The 68% retention rate means you face substantial odds of transferring or dropping out, potentially carrying debt without credentials.
You should consider Olivet if you plan to study nursing or education and can handle the academic demands. The school works financially for students who graduate in these high-paying fields. Skip this option if you want business, liberal arts, or other programs not listed among top earners.
Financial aid reaches only 35% of students, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic performance to secure meaningful awards. Your best cost strategy involves graduating quickly in a high-return major while minimizing borrowing beyond the $25,000 median debt level.
The Illinois job market supports healthcare and education careers well, but other fields offer limited regional opportunities. Choose Olivet only if nursing or teaching aligns with your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olivet Nazarene University worth the money?
Olivet Nazarene University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn strong salaries around $88,000-$91,000, making the $25,000 median debt manageable. Other programs show weaker returns, with 10-year median earnings of $53,213 against a $21,539 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Olivet Nazarene University?
Nursing programs at Olivet Nazarene University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $65,000-$91,000 depending on specialization. Education majors earn around $79,000, while teaching English as a second language graduates average $68,000.
How much debt do Olivet Nazarene University graduates have?
Olivet Nazarene University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000. This debt load is reasonable for nursing majors who earn $80,000+ but may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields given the school's 60% graduation rate.
Does Olivet Nazarene University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Olivet Nazarene University vary significantly by program. Nursing graduates see strong employment prospects and salaries, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $53,213 suggests mixed results across other majors.