Engineering at Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene's engineering program delivers solid financial outcomes that outperform more than half of Illinois engineering schools, despite the institution's modest selectivity. While first-year earnings of $66,394 sit just below the national median, this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful advantage for Illinois students comparing in-state options. The $27,000 debt load is actually below the national median, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that graduates can typically handle within three years.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, with graduates seeing 20% growth to $79,322 by year four. This isn't the explosive compensation growth you'll find at elite engineering programs, but it represents steady career progression. For context, this performance roughly matches what you'd see at Western Illinois, suggesting Olivet provides comparable engineering outcomes to state universities without requiring top-tier test scores for admission.

For families seeking a private Christian college environment with legitimate engineering credentials, this program offers a reasonable value proposition. The debt is manageable, earnings are competitive within Illinois, and career growth is solid. Students won't command premium salaries right out of school, but they're entering the workforce with less debt than many peers and earning more than the typical Illinois engineering graduate from the start.