
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Founded in 1907, the university has seen significant growth and cultural change over the past few decades, particularly under the leadership of former president John C. Bowling. ONU offers a wide range of academic programs and opportunities for its students, who come from diverse backgrounds, representing different Christian denominations and various states and countries. In recent years, ONU has witnessed its highest enrollment in its history, surpassing 5,000 students, with a strong trend for freshman and transfer student admissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students | 5,002 (as of 2017-2018) |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,569 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Number of undergraduates | 3,037 (as of 2017-2018) |
| On-campus undergrad students | 2,401 (as of 2017-2018) |
| Total enrollment | 4,636 (as of 2007) |
| Undergraduate enrollment (as of 2007) | 3,190 |
| Number of clubs | Over 80 |
| Number of countries represented | 20 |
| Number of states represented | 40 |
| Number of religious denominations represented | 30 |
| Number of academic buildings | 7 |
| Number of gymnasiums | 2 |
| Number of residence halls | 6 |
| Number of off-campus apartment buildings | 7 |
| Number of online degree programs | 14 |
| Campus size | 275 acres |
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What You'll Learn

In 2023, the university surpassed 5,000 students for the first time
In 2023, Olivet Nazarene University surpassed 5,000 students for the first time in its 110-year history. Of the 5,002 students enrolled, 3,037 were undergraduates, with 2,401 of those students living on campus. This surge in student enrollment reflects the university's expansion in the Midwest, with regional centres, online programs, and education partnerships with over 240 businesses and organisations. The university's graduate programs have also seen significant growth, with more than 14,000 students having earned Olivet graduate degrees.
The university's campus in Bourbonnais, Illinois, has expanded to meet the needs of its growing student population. The campus spans 250 to 275 acres and includes seven academic buildings, two gymnasiums, six residence halls, and several off-campus apartment buildings. The university offers over 80 clubs and organisations for students to participate in, catering to diverse interests.
Academically, Olivet Nazarene University offers approximately 140 areas of study across seven schools and one college. The university has seen a national trend towards STEM subjects, with nursing being the most popular area of study for undergraduates and graduates. The university also offers unique opportunities for students to study in locations such as China, Costa Rica, England, Egypt, and Russia.
The university's enrolment growth contrasts with the declining enrolment trends at many other universities. Susan Wolff, dean of undergraduate enrollment, attributes Olivet's success to its "quality academics and career preparation in a Christian environment." The university's commitment to accessibility and its strong retention rates further contribute to its appeal.
Olivet Nazarene University's ability to surpass 5,000 students for the first time in 2023 reflects its expanding influence and reputation as a leading educational institution in the Midwest.
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There are around 3,500 undergraduates
Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts university, with a semester-based academic calendar. It is centrally located in the historic Village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 50 miles south of Chicago. The beautiful, park-like campus includes 25 major buildings spread over 275 acres.
The university currently consists of seven academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences, the McGraw School of Business, the Martin D. Walker School of Engineering, the School of Education, the School of Life and Health Sciences, the School of Theology and Christian Ministry, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. There are approximately 140 areas of study, and students are offered the opportunity to study in locations such as China, Costa Rica, England, Egypt, Romania, Russia, Uganda, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.
The student body at Olivet Nazarene University is diverse, with students from more than 40 states and 20 countries, representing nearly 50 religious denominations. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including publications, ROTC, radio broadcasting, music and theatrical performance, and spiritual life organizations. The university's athletic teams are known as the Tigers, and the school colours are purple and gold.
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Students come from 40 states and 20 countries
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Founded in 1907, it has since expanded with regional centres across the Midwest, online programs, and education partnerships with over 240 businesses and organisations.
The university has a diverse student body, with students coming from 40 states and 20 countries, representing nearly 50 religious denominations. This diversity is reflected in the variety of clubs and organisations available on campus, with over 90 clubs catering to different interests, including publications, ROTC, radio broadcasting, music, and spiritual life organisations.
The university's athletic teams are called the Tigers, and they compete in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university's colours, purple and gold, and the Tigers nickname date back to 1940 when ONU students first played against Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University).
In recent years, ONU has seen a significant increase in its student population, surpassing 5,000 students for the first time in its 110-year history in 2017-2018. This growth can be attributed to the university's expansion, both in terms of regional centres and online programs, as well as its appeal to a diverse set of students from different Christian denominations.
With a large campus spanning 250-275 acres, ONU offers a range of academic programs, including over 140 areas of study organised into seven schools and one college. The university also provides opportunities for students to study abroad in locations such as China, Costa Rica, England, Egypt, Romania, Russia, and Uganda.
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There are 80+ clubs and organisations
Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university with a rich history that dates back to 1907. With a beautiful, park-like campus spanning 275 acres in Bourbonnais, Illinois, the university offers a vibrant and engaging student experience.
A key part of student life at Olivet Nazarene University is the diverse range of clubs and organisations available. With over 80 clubs and organisations, students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and build a strong sense of community. These clubs cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every student can find their niche.
One notable aspect of the clubs and organisations is their inclusivity. Students with an interest in student leadership, equestrianism, biology, or service opportunities will find a welcoming community. The university also offers honor societies that recognise outstanding academic achievements and provide a platform for students to excel in their respective fields. These societies foster excellence in various departments, including education, family and consumer sciences, communications, and history.
The clubs and organisations at Olivet Nazarene University are not limited to academic pursuits. Students can also participate in intramural activities, which provide a space for friendly competition and relationship building among students, faculty, and staff. The university's athletic teams, known as the Tigers, compete in 21 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, and diving.
The clubs and organisations at Olivet Nazarene University are managed by a dedicated Clubs and Organisations Manager, supported by the Student Life Leadership Team. Together, they ensure that the clubs host events, travel to relevant locations, and provide students with valuable experiences that complement their academic studies.
With such a diverse range of clubs and organisations, students at Olivet Nazarene University can expect to find their place, pursue their passions, and make lasting connections during their time on campus.
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The university has seven academic units
Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university with approximately 3,500 students, including 2,525 undergraduates. The university has a rich history, founded in 1907 by a group of families who desired a distinctively Christian education for their children.
The university is organised into seven academic units, providing a diverse range of educational opportunities for its students. Here is an overview of each academic unit:
The College of Arts and Sciences: This academic unit likely serves as the foundation of a liberal arts education, offering a broad range of courses in various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more. It provides students with a well-rounded education and critical thinking skills.
The McGraw School of Business: With a focus on business and management-related fields, this school equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in business, entrepreneurship, and related areas. It likely offers a range of specialisations, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
The Martin D. and other academic units: While the full names of the remaining academic units are not explicitly mentioned, they are integral to the university's academic offerings. These units could include schools or colleges focusing on specific areas such as education, nursing, engineering, and other disciplines.
The university also offers graduate programs, including master's degrees in business, counselling, education, nursing, ministry, teaching, and educational administration. Additionally, nontraditional adult degree completion programs and a Doctor of Education degree in Ethical Leadership are available.
Olivet Nazarene University's seven academic units provide a comprehensive and diverse range of educational opportunities for its students, contributing to its rich academic environment and commitment to guiding students towards wisdom and knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2017, there were 5,002 students enrolled at Olivet Nazarene University, with 3,037 of those being undergraduates.
Students at Olivet Nazarene University come from over 40 states and 20 countries worldwide.
2,401 out of 3,037 undergraduate students live on campus.
The number of students enrolled at Olivet Nazarene University has been increasing. In 2007, there were 4,636 students, and in 2023, the university surpassed 5,000 students for the first time in its 110-year history.




























