University of Mount Olive: 74.6% Acceptance Rate

74.6%Acceptance

$25,950Tuition

1,754Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,139Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24Original Free Will Baptist

About University of Mount Olive

The University of Mount Olive brings Baptist values to a small campus of 1,754 students in rural North Carolina. This Christian university emphasizes faith-based education while preparing students for practical careers. The student body is predominantly female at 66%, with strong representation from North Carolina residents who make up 74% of enrollment.

Students pay an average net price of $17,893 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $25,950. Graduates earn a median of $47,139 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,209 in debt with monthly payments of $288. The 47% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees, which affects the return on investment. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families.

The Trojans compete in NCAA Division II with 19 varsity sports supported by substantial athletic scholarships totaling $4.7 million. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain relatively intimate despite being larger than typical small colleges. The 77% retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year, though the rural setting and Baptist affiliation create a specific campus culture that appeals to certain students.

Academics & Faculty

Mount Olive operates as a small Christian university with deep roots in the Original Free Will Baptist tradition. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, though the 47.5% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. The school built its reputation around practical programs that serve rural North Carolina communities. Business, criminal justice, and education draw the largest enrollments. The university has expanded into online programs and graduate degrees in recent years. With 1,754 students spread across undergraduate and graduate programs, Mount Olive maintains the feel of a close-knit college where faith and learning intersect. Academic support comes through small classes and personal attention from faculty.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 48.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.5%
Retention Rate: 76.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,139
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,821
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Associate	$57,047
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$49,019
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$45,947
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$43,240
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,631
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$40,827
Agricultural Business and Management.	Bachelor	$39,729
Education, General.	Bachelor	$38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$36,560

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

This small Christian university sits in rural North Carolina, about 60 miles southeast of Raleigh. With housing for 697 students and total enrollment of 1,754, roughly 40% of students live on campus. The semester system keeps academics moving at a steady pace through North Carolina's mild climate, where you'll need light jackets for winter but can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.

Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a campus active that often feels close-knit and supportive. The Original Free Will Baptist affiliation shapes campus culture, though students come from diverse backgrounds with 25% identifying as Black and 10% as Hispanic. With 19 varsity sports and 89 total athletes competing in NCAA Division II, Trojans athletics provide weekend entertainment and school spirit. The rural setting means students often create their own fun through campus organizations, intramural sports, and trips to nearby cities. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally, fostering mentorship relationships that extend beyond the classroom into campus ministry and community service opportunities.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 697 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–53°F
July Avg: 70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.4"
Annual Snowfall: 2.0"

Student Demographics

This small Christian university draws heavily from North Carolina, with nearly three-quarters of its 1,754 students coming from in-state. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education, nursing, and other traditionally female-dominated fields. The campus serves a diverse mix of students, with about half being students of color. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families across the region.

Men: 33.9%
Women: 66.1%
White: 52.1%
Black: 24.9%
Hispanic: 10.5%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 73.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.0%

Location

Mount Olive sits in rural eastern North Carolina, about 60 miles southeast of Raleigh. The town has fewer than 5,000 residents and centers around agriculture and the university. With 73.87% of students coming from in-state, most know they're choosing small-town life over city amenities. The campus serves as the heart of this quiet community, where tobacco farms and pine forests dominate the landscape. Students find internships and jobs in nearby Goldsboro or make the drive to the Research Triangle for larger opportunities. The rural-distant setting means outdoor recreation but limited nightlife. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare University of Mount Olive with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365-0919

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,139
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,388
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $288/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,209

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Mount Olive?

University of Mount Olive accepts 74.59% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Christian university focuses on providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, with nearly half being first-generation college students who receive Pell Grants.

How much does University of Mount Olive cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $17,893 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $25,950. The school offers the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it particularly attractive for those from neighboring states.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Mount Olive?

The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 across the university's 1,754 students. This small Christian university emphasizes personal attention and faith-based learning in its rural North Carolina setting.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Mount Olive?

The six-year graduation rate is 47.50%, with graduates earning a median salary of $47,139 ten years after enrollment. Many students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as evidenced by the 46.95% Pell Grant recipient rate.

Where do students live at University of Mount Olive?

Campus housing accommodates 697 students, representing about 40% of the total enrollment of 1,754. The rural-distant setting in Mount Olive provides a close-knit community atmosphere typical of small Christian colleges.

Does University of Mount Olive have strong athletics programs?

The Trojans compete in NCAA Division II with 19 varsity sports and award $4,704,424 in athletic scholarships annually. Despite having only 89 total athletes, the school demonstrates significant commitment to athletics within the Conference Carolinas.