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Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship

A bold new step to prepare the next generation of young leaders for Christ and His kingdom. Offered to current high school seniors enrolling at Olivet fall 2026 & 2027.

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Details

The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship

What is it?

Established in 2000, the ONU Leadership Scholarship was originally designed to identify and enroll first-year students who had exhibited leadership experience and goals. As we mark the 26th anniversary of that first group of Leadership Scholars, the University will again offer the full-tuition Leadership Scholarship to select incoming students. Scholarship amounts will vary, filling the gap between a student’s existing aid and the full cost of tuition for all four years.

Why the focus on leadership?

Our exceptional alumni (more than 50,000 worldwide) are cancer researchers and teachers, pastors and artists, athletes and entrepreneurs. It is our goal to invest in our students and develop the next generation of leaders. Our hope is that this scholarship opens the door for rising leaders like you to influence your profession, your community, your church, and Olivet’s campus, all for the better.

Why Olivet?

ONU is a highly-respected, fully-accredited four-year liberal arts university located in northern Illinois–an hour from Chicago–in the heart of the Midwest. Since our beginnings in 1907 Olivet has been committed to integrating faith and learning. Our goal of “Education with a Christian Purpose” is more than just a motto; it is central to who we are. In August, US News again awarded us a Best College in our region. We have a pathway for nearly any career and calling. And at Olivet, we take both of those seriously.

Professor congratulating scholarly graduate
Students gather around in Centennial Chapel
Faculty walking with two scholars

Application Details

Olivet Nazarene University is seeking to build its class of 2030 and 2031 with a significant number of students who aspire to leadership. Olivet distributes nearly $100 Million in aid and scholarships annually, and this year Olivet has committed a substantial fund to specifically help students who hope to lead their communities, their churches, and their professions.

Who Qualifies?

  • Students who will enroll and live on campus starting in fall 2026 (Class of 2030) or fall 2027 (Class of 2031).
  • Students committed to developing as servant‑leaders within their homes, schools, communities and our world!
  • Students who display academic excellence! Applicants must have a minimum 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale OR a composite ACT score of 28 (or equivalent SAT score of 1300).

How to apply:

  • Complete your application here.
    • Preview the application essay questions here.
  • You may include 3 optional supplementary materials at the time of application or add them later (until the deadline). We welcome your creativity in helping us get to know you! Your supplemental materials should clearly demonstrate your leadership experience, impact and growth.
  • Students may choose to enhance their scholarship application with an optional on-campus interview with their admissions counselor.

Accepted supplementary materials include, but are not limited to: websites, videos, slide deck presentations, essays, articles, letters of recommendation.

Important Parameters for Supplemental Items:

  • Transcripts & test scores do not count toward the maximum 3 supplemental materials.
  • Written materials (articles, recommendations, etc.) must be no longer than 3 pages.
  • Videos should be under 7 minutes and shared via link (e.g., YouTube).
  • Slide decks should be limited to 12 slides.
  • Please do not mail physical materials.

If you have questions or have supplemental materials to submit after applying, please contact your admissions counselor or email: leadershipscholar@olivet.edu

Timeline:

Seniors (Class of 2030)

There will be one round of awarding for students enrolling in the fall of 2026.

Students who submit a scholarship application and supplementary materials by April 30th will be notified on or before May 15th

Juniors (Class of 2031)

There will be two rounds of awarding for students enrolling in the fall of 2027.

  • First Round: Students who submitted a scholarship application and supplementary materials by April 30th will be notified on or before May 15th.
  • Second Round: Juniors who apply for the Full‑Tuition Leadership Scholarship in the spring of 2026 but are not selected will automatically receive a second chance in fall 2026 (the first semester of their senior year). There is no need to reapply.

Submission deadlines for round two will be announced at the conclusion of round one.

Further Details

Students may apply before being admitted, but to receive an award on May 15 they must:

Eligibility requirements:

  • LIVE ON CAMPUS in Bourbonnais, IL
  • Enroll in full‑time, in‑person undergrad. Coursework (12+ credits)
  • Begin in fall 2026 or fall 2027
  • Cover room and meals (federal/private loans may apply)

Renewal (up to 4 years) requires students to:

  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Stay in good standing with campus covenants
  • Submit all required documents by posted deadlines

HOUSING, ROOM AND BOARD

How Much Will Housing Cost, How Can I Pay and What is Included?

Full-tuition awardees are responsible for housing, meals and any program fees. Most students’ direct costs fall into three ares: Tuition, Housing & Meals and the General Fee.

Your full‑tuition scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition after all other scholarships and grants are applied. Whatever portion of tuition your other aid doesn’t cover is automatically filled by this scholarship.

If tuition changes in future years (or if your other aid goes up or down) the scholarship will adjust each year to continue covering 100% of tuition for all four years.

TUITION ($41,450) INCLUDES

FULL-TIME STUDENT  |  12-18 CREDIT HOURS EACH SEMESTER  | ACADEMIC SUPPORT  | COUNSELING SERVICES

This amount is FULLY covered by scholarships: Academic, athletics, music, band, pastoral, bridge grant, Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship.

STUDENT GENERAL FEE ($990)

RECREATION CENTER  |  GYMS, POOLS, ROCK WALL, ATHLETIC FACILITIES  |  STUDENT EVENTS & INTRAMURALS |  FITNESS CLASSES

Student loans, private scholarships and payment plans can cover these costs. See Below for Options.

HOUSING & MEALS ($12,290)

RESIDENCE HALL LIVING  |  BED, DESK, BOOKSHELF, DRESSER, FRIDGE, MICROWAVE  |  MEAL PLAN- 14 MEALS/WEEK OR BLOCK MEAL PLAN  |  FLEX DOLLARS FOR SPENDING ON CAMPUS

Student loans, private scholarships and payment plans can cover these costs. See Below for Options.

Financial Aid graphicFinancial Aid graphicFinancial Aid graphic

8 Monthly-Payment Plan (Most Popular)
Private Scholarships (HS awards, Church awards, etc.)
On-Campus Employment (Dining Halls, Library, Physical Plant, etc.)
Work Study (for qualifying students)
Off-Campus Employment (Coffee shops, Book Stores, Restaurants, Department Stores)
Student Stafford Loan ($5500 for every student!)
Parent Plus Loan
Private Loan
Other Loans

EVERY student has a different situation, and our Financial Aid Team is able to custom-fit your package to what suits your family best.

 

This is our favorite question. Olivet students graduate with less indebtedness than the national average, and this year’s graduates have less indebtedness than students in the past decade. But don’t just take our word for it, read what the experts are saying:

MONEY MAGAZINE names Olivet a Four-Star College

US NEWS names Olivet a 2024 Top Ten Best Value

WalletHub names Olivet a Top Ten Illinois College

Frequently Asked Questions

The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship applies directly to tuition costs for up to four (4) years (8 full-time consecutive semesters of 12-18 credits) at Olivet Nazarene University for qualifying students. This program does not cover fees, housing, nor meals. No other coverage is associated with this program. Excludes summer and overload tuition.

Eligible recipients must complete the Leadership Scholarship Application form linked on this page by the submission deadline. This will be the only way to identify yourself as someone interested in the scholarship, so we encourage you to complete the application portion right away, even if you haven’t gathered the supporting documents you plan to submit.

The optional supporting materials are completely up to you. Whatever best showcases who you are is what we want to see. Some examples we’ve received in the past have included essays, poems, day in the life vlogs, scrapbooks, letters of recommendation, interviews with a friend or family member, and more. Get creative and have fun! Feel free to continue sending supporting materials to leadershipscholar@olivet.edu up to the submission deadline.

Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits (18 max) each semester to qualify for the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship. We recommend that students enroll in 15 credit hours each semester as that keeps them on track to graduate in four (4) years or less. We also recommend that students meet with their academic advisor regularly to track their program success and graduation progress.

Yes! Athletes should contact their coach or new student financial aid advisor for details.

The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship funding is automatically applied for eligible students every year. To remain eligible for the Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship, you must remain in good-standing with ONU and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards each semester.

The award is available up to 4 years (8 full-time consecutive semesters of 12-18 credits).

The VERITAS, ONU+ and continuing studies programs already have a discount built into their pricing – set to be competitive among industry programs of their kind. The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship does not include our online and continuing studies programs.

The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship is available to the incoming class of 2030 and 2031. While it is designed for incoming first-time freshmen, some transfer students may also be eligible, depending on the number of credits they are transferring in. Contact your admissions counselor to find out if you are eligible.

For additional information about the ONU Leadership Scholarship program, please contact your Admissions Counselor.

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Welcome

Education With a Christian Purpose

We believe Higher Education should have a Higher Purpose. For over 115 years, Olivet has answered that call — guiding students who seek wisdom and knowledge.

Bring your passion and build your future.

With more than 180 areas of study, title-winning athletics, 22 graduate and doctoral degrees and a vibrant campus community and online network, Olivet welcomes you in your pursuit of learning and faith. Discover Life at Olivet

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