Olivet Nazarene University surpasses 5,000 students for first time in 110-year history

Olivet's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies reports largest number of graduate students in University history

Bourbonnais, IL (09/21/2017) — Olivet Nazarene University reports the highest enrollment in the University's 110-year history as the 2017-2018 academic year gets underway. Of the total 5,002 students enrolled, 3,037 are undergraduates, and 2,401 of the undergrads live on campus. This also continues the historically strong trend for enrollment of freshmen and transfer students.

In addition, a record freshman retention rate of 78 percent and a record number of 64,357 credit hours taught provide solid proof of service to and care for its students.

"Increasing numbers of students from across the country and around the world continue to arrive each fall for the unique Olivet experience," said Susan Wolff, dean of undergraduate enrollment. "Enrollment is decreasing at many universities, and some are even closing their doors. Students and their families consistently value Olivet's quality academics and career preparation in a Christian environment."

Olivet's School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS) reports a new record enrollment with 2,092 students, which includes the largest number of graduate students in University history. This growth reflects the University's continued expansion with regional centers throughout the Midwest, online programs, and education partnerships with more than 240 businesses and other organizations.

SGCS currently has 14 fully online degree programs. The newest online program is the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement. Olivet also currently has the largest Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program in the state of Illinois.

Ryan Spittal, vice president for ONU Global, foresees continued growth in Olivet's graduate and continuing studies. "With a national online presence, we are seeing incredible growth and demand for Olivet programs," he said. "With more than 14,000 students who have earned Olivet graduate degrees, we are proud to see our students - both past and present - making a difference in their communities as a result of their Olivet education."

University-wide, academic majors reflect national trends toward studies in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - as students respond to forecasts for plentiful career opportunities over the next decade. Nursing continues to be the most popular area of study for undergraduate and graduate students, followed closely by the undergraduate engineering degree program.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 140 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet's 275-acre park-like main campus is in Bourbonnais, Illinois, 50 miles south of Chicago. Additional sites are in Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Grand Rapids and Grand Ledge, Michigan; Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year through study abroad opportunities, internships and worldwide mission trips.

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Contact:

Laura Warfel

Public Relations Specialist

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Olivet.edu

815-928-5403

lwwarfel@olivet.edu