Discover Olivet Nazarene University's Student Population

Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts university in Bourbonnais, Illinois, founded in 1907. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 2,500-2,600 students, with a campus size of 275 acres. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 3,255 students, with 2,449 full-time and 806 part-time students. In 2017, the university surpassed 5,000 students for the first time in its 110-year history, with 3,037 undergraduates and 2,401 undergrads living on campus. In 2023, the university welcomed its largest incoming class in history, with over 950 new students.

Undergraduate enrollment at Olivet Nazarene University is around 2,500

The undergraduate enrollment at Olivet Nazarene University is a significant aspect of the university's overall student population. The university has experienced growth in traditional undergraduate enrollment, with around 2,500 students pursuing their bachelor's degrees. This number represents a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and locations.

The university's undergraduate programs offer a wide range of academic options for students. With approximately 140 areas of study, students can choose from various disciplines, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the McGraw School of Business, and the Walker School of STEM, among others. This variety of academic programs provides undergraduates with numerous opportunities to explore their interests and pursue their desired fields of study.

The undergraduate enrollment at Olivet Nazarene University also contributes to the vibrant campus life and community. With a range of clubs, organizations, and cultural events, undergraduates play a vital role in shaping the social and extracurricular environment on campus. The university's athletic programs, including intercollegiate and intramural sports teams, also engage a significant number of undergraduate students, fostering a sense of school spirit and camaraderie.

Furthermore, the undergraduate enrollment at Olivet Nazarene University reflects the university's commitment to accessibility and affordability. With a high percentage of students receiving financial aid through grants and loans, the university ensures that a quality Christian education is within reach for a diverse group of undergraduates. The university's focus on providing scholarships and grants contributes to a diverse and talented student body.

In conclusion, the undergraduate enrollment of around 2,500 students at Olivet Nazarene University is a crucial aspect of the institution's overall character and community. The university's undergraduate programs, coupled with its dedication to academic excellence and faith-based education, have contributed to its growing appeal and historic milestones in enrollment numbers. The diverse and talented undergraduate student body helps foster a dynamic and enriching educational environment at Olivet Nazarene University.

The university's total enrollment is over 3,000

Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts university with a total enrollment of over 3,000 students. The university's total enrollment peaked at 5,002 students in 2017, comprising 3,037 undergraduates and 2,401 undergrads living on campus. The university was founded in 1907 by a group of families who desired a distinctively Christian education for their children. It is located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, just 50 miles south of Chicago, and its campus spans 275 acres.

In recent years, Olivet Nazarene University has experienced significant growth in its student body. In 2024, the university welcomed its largest incoming class in history, with more than 950 new students. This record-breaking class reflected the university's growing appeal, academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and commitment to faith-based education. The university's total enrollment for that year was 3,255 students, with 2,449 full-time and 806 part-time students.

Olivet Nazarene University offers a range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's undergraduate enrollment stands at around 2,500 students, with a total enrollment of about 3,500 students from more than 40 states and 20 countries. The student body represents nearly 50 religious denominations, with the largest being the Church of the Nazarene.

The university's academic calendar follows a two-semester system, and students have the opportunity to study in various locations worldwide, including China, Costa Rica, England, and Egypt. With its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to faith-based education, Olivet Nazarene University continues to attract students from diverse backgrounds, contributing to its total enrollment of over 3,000.

In 2022, 3,255 students were enrolled

Olivet Nazarene University is a service of the Church of the Nazarene and is theologically grounded in the Wesleyan tradition. The university offers a range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. In 2022, the university awarded 1,100 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs, with 64.4% of these degrees going to women and 35.6% to men.

The university has a diverse student body, with students from more than 40 states and 20 countries, representing nearly 50 religious denominations. The enrolled student population in 2022 was 65.8% White, 11.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.22% Black or African American, 3.66% Two or More Races, 3.04% Asian, 1.14% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.246% American Indian or Alaska Native.

Olivet Nazarene University has a strong focus on academic excellence and a commitment to faith-based education. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #41 in Regional Universities Midwest. The university offers various academic programs, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the McGraw School of Business, and the Walker School of STEM.

The university has a vibrant campus life, with over 90 clubs and organizations representing diverse interests, including publications, ROTC, radio broadcasting, music, and theatrical performance. Olivet Nazarene University also has a strong athletic program, with 22 intercollegiate teams for men and women and an active intramural program.

In 2023, the university welcomed 801 new undergraduate students

In 2023, Olivet Nazarene University welcomed 801 new undergraduate students, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in traditional undergraduate enrollment. This brought the university's overall enrollment to pre-pandemic numbers, making it the largest in six years. The increase in student numbers is a testament to the university's academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and commitment to faith-based education.

The new students represent a diverse range of backgrounds and interests, with more than 40 states and 20 countries represented, and nearly 50 religious denominations. This reflects the university's long-standing dedication to providing an education rooted in Christian values, which has been a key attraction for students seeking a transformative college experience.

The university's undergraduate enrollment has been steadily increasing, with a total of 2,569 undergraduate students in the fall of 2023. This adds to the overall student population of about 3,500, which includes students from across the United States and around the world.

Olivet Nazarene University's growth in enrollment is not limited to undergraduate programs. The university has also seen a significant increase in graduate and certificate-seeking student enrollment, with a nearly 25% rise in 2022. This growth is a result of the university's expansion with regional centres, online programs, and education partnerships with businesses and organizations.

The university's commitment to accessibility and academic excellence is further demonstrated by its Early Scholars program, which welcomed 79 high school students to study alongside university students and earn college credit. This, along with the ONU Plus programming, showcases Olivet Nazarene University's dedication to making quality education accessible to a wider range of students.

In 2024, the university welcomed its largest-ever incoming class of over 950 students

In 2024, Olivet Nazarene University welcomed its largest-ever incoming class, with over 950 new students joining the university. This was a significant milestone for the university, reflecting its growing appeal and marking an increase in overall enrollment. The incoming class was composed of a diverse group of students from across the United States and internationally, with a wide range of talents, interests, and aspirations.

The large number of new students choosing Olivet Nazarene University can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university's commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant campus life are attractive to prospective students. The university offers a variety of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, nursing, and engineering. Additionally, Olivet's faith-based approach to education, with its goal of providing an "Education With A Christian Purpose," resonates with many students and their families. The university's strong campus culture and commitment to service and leadership also play a role in its growing appeal.

The historic increase in enrollment is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the university's faculty and staff. Vice President for Enrollment Mark Reddy expressed his excitement about the record-breaking class, commending not only the size of the class but also the character and accomplishments of each student within it. He attributed this milestone to the university community's collective efforts over the years.

This record-breaking incoming class contributes to the overall enrollment numbers at Olivet Nazarene University. The university typically has around 3,500 students, including approximately 2,500 undergraduate students, representing diverse religious denominations and geographical locations. With the addition of the largest incoming class in 2024, the university's enrollment numbers are expected to continue growing and setting new records.

The university's ability to attract a large number of new students also reflects its commitment to accessibility and its dedication to providing a transformative college experience. The university offers various programs, such as the Early Scholars program, which allows high school students to study alongside university students and earn college credits. This, along with innovative initiatives like the ONU Plus programming, underscores Olivet Nazarene University's efforts to make its education accessible to a broader range of students.

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