The University of Olivet
The University of Olivet — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is The University of Olivet Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, The University of Olivet is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,907 — 11% below average — while paying $21,393/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at The University of Olivet has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How The University of Olivet compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #128 of 159 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #128 | The University of Olivet | 20 | $21,393 | $47,907 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of The University of Olivet's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in MI.
Best Programs at The University of Olivet
The highest-earning program at The University of Olivet is Insurance at $46,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $23,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Insurance graduate from The University of Olivet earns $46,100, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $23,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Insurance graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,393/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $46,100 | $46,100 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,300 | $38,300 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,500 | $33,500 | $29,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,400 | $23,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Olivet, MI
- Student Body
- 892 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,393
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,907
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000