About The University of Olivet
The University of Olivet serves 918 students in rural Michigan as a United Church of Christ institution focused on practical education and personal development. The school maintains strong ties to its religious heritage while offering a close-knit academic environment. With an 84% acceptance rate, Olivet welcomes students seeking smaller class sizes and individual attention from faculty.
Students pay an average net price of $21,158 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $33,076. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $47,907 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates, with 96.9% finding employment after college.
The student body leans male at 58%, with 89% coming from Michigan. Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 652 of the 918 students competing in 26 varsity sports as Division III Comets. However, the 37% six-year graduation rate and 57% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees, making academic support and persistence crucial considerations for prospective students.
Students pay an average net price of $21,158 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $33,076. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $47,907 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates, with 96.9% finding employment after college.
The student body leans male at 58%, with 89% coming from Michigan. Athletics play a major role in campus life, with 652 of the 918 students competing in 26 varsity sports as Division III Comets. However, the 37% six-year graduation rate and 57% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees, making academic support and persistence crucial considerations for prospective students.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Olivet operates as a private liberal arts college with a Christian foundation, offering personalized attention through its 14:1 student-faculty ratio. However, only 37% of students graduate within six years, suggesting academic challenges despite the small class sizes. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement typical of liberal arts institutions. With 918 students on campus, professors know their students individually and can provide mentoring. The college has historically focused on education, business, and social work programs. The low graduation rate of 40.66% in four years indicates many students struggle to complete their degrees on time, despite the supportive environment and close faculty relationships.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.0%
- Retention Rate
- 57.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,907
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance. | Bachelor | $51,035 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,896 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
Campus Life
The University of Olivet sits in rural Michigan, about 90 miles from Grand Rapids and 100 miles from Lansing. With 798 housing beds for 918 students, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. Michigan winters mean heavy snow and temperatures often below freezing, so a good winter coat is essential.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles don't go unnoticed. With 652 students participating in 26 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life even at the Division III level. The Comets compete in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and games draw strong campus crowds. Students often spend weekends at sporting events, studying in small groups, or driving to nearby towns for entertainment. The United Church of Christ affiliation influences campus culture without being overwhelming. With 89% of students from Michigan, most go home for major holidays, but the rural setting means campus stays active most weekends as students bond over shared small-town college experiences.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles don't go unnoticed. With 652 students participating in 26 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life even at the Division III level. The Comets compete in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and games draw strong campus crowds. Students often spend weekends at sporting events, studying in small groups, or driving to nearby towns for entertainment. The United Church of Christ affiliation influences campus culture without being overwhelming. With 89% of students from Michigan, most go home for major holidays, but the rural setting means campus stays active most weekends as students bond over shared small-town college experiences.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 798 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–29°F
- July Avg
- 59°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.1"
Student Demographics
Olivet draws primarily from Michigan communities, with nearly 9 in 10 students staying close to home. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, as over 40% receive Pell Grants for low-income students. Men outnumber women by a notable margin, likely reflecting the university's strong programs in business and athletics. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic representation. Students typically come from families seeking an affordable Christian education within driving distance of home.
- Men
- 58.1%
- Women
- 41.9%
- White
- 65.9%
- Black
- 16.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 88.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.7%
Location
The University of Olivet sits in rural Olivet, Michigan, about 25 miles northeast of Kalamazoo and roughly 100 miles from both Grand Rapids and Detroit. This small farming community offers a classic small-town college experience in Michigan's lower peninsula. The campus houses 798 students in a setting where cornfields meet collegiate life. With 88.59% of students coming from in-state, the school draws heavily from Michigan families seeking an intimate educational environment. The rural-distant setting means students experience true small-town living, where the college serves as the community's focal point. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare The University of Olivet with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Olivet, Michigan 49076
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,907
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,039
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The University of Olivet?
The University of Olivet accepts 84.64% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. This private Christian college in rural Michigan draws primarily local students, with 88.59% coming from in-state.
How much does The University of Olivet cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,158 after aid, less than the full tuition of $33,076. The school offers institutional grants averaging $23,361 to about 23% of students, though 75% still need federal loans.
What is the student-faculty ratio at The University of Olivet?
The University of Olivet maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 918 total students. This small size creates an intimate academic environment typical of rural liberal arts colleges.
What are the graduation rates at The University of Olivet?
Only 37% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 40.66%. The retention rate of 57.3% suggests many students struggle to persist, which is concerning for a small private institution.
Where do students live at The University of Olivet?
Campus housing accommodates 798 students in a rural Michigan setting, with room and board costing $11,886 annually. The remote location means most campus life revolves around the tight-knit residential community.
How strong is athletics at The University of Olivet?
The Comets compete in 26 varsity sports with 652 total athletes, meaning about 71% of students participate in athletics. As a Division III school in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, they offer no athletic scholarships but emphasize broad participation.
