ISU vs. Olivet Nazarene University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Olivet Nazarene University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Olivet Nazarene University is in Bourbonnais, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Olivet Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Olivet Nazarene University 15:1.

ISU vs. Olivet Nazarene University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Olivet Nazarene University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Olivet Nazarene University than ISU ($21,281 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Olivet Nazarene University are 5.6% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,090 vs. $11,754).
• Olivet Nazarene University is 141% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $22,756 more per year; $38,900.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.9% higher at Olivet Nazarene University than at Illinois State University (about $10,690 more per year; $38,900.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Olivet Nazarene University than at Illinois State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Olivet Nazarene University students is 137.5% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($30,817 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Olivet Nazarene University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Olivet Nazarene University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Olivet Nazarene University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 10 points higher than at Olivet Nazarene University (1090).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Olivet Nazarene University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Olivet Nazarene University 950/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Olivet Nazarene University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Olivet Nazarene University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Olivet Nazarene University (3.38).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Olivet Nazarene University (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 24.5% at Olivet Nazarene University.

ISU vs. Olivet Nazarene University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Olivet Nazarene University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Olivet Nazarene University's (56%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Olivet Nazarene University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Olivet Nazarene University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Olivet Nazarene University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Olivet Nazarene University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.