Business Administration, Management and Operations at Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene's business program performs slightly above average for Illinois, placing in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid if unremarkable position among the state's 52 business programs. Starting earnings of $47,435 exceed both national and state medians, though the program falls well short of Illinois's top-tier options where graduates at UIUC and UIC earn $20,000+ more out of the gate. The $25,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that suggests most graduates can handle their loan payments without severe strain.

The 10% earnings growth to $52,270 by year four is modest but steady, keeping pace with typical career progression for business majors. What you're getting here is dependability rather than exceptional upside—the program delivers outcomes that won't surprise anyone familiar with regional private universities. For families prioritizing a Christian campus environment, these numbers demonstrate that Olivet students aren't sacrificing significantly on the financial front compared to peers at secular Illinois schools.

The practical takeaway: if your child is drawn to Olivet's faith-based community and smaller setting, the business program won't undermine their financial future. But if maximizing early career earnings is the priority and they can gain admission elsewhere, several Illinois public universities offer notably stronger salary outcomes at similar or lower debt levels.