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 juniors and seniors enrolling at Olivet fall 2027.
How To Apply:
Further Details
Student may apply before being admitted, but to receive an award in December, they must:
- Submit the OLIVET APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
- Submit transcripts, and
- Submit the FAFSA (seniors only).
Eligibility requirements:
- LIVE ON CAMPUS in Bourbonnais, IL
- Enroll in full‑time, in‑person undergrad. Coursework (12+ credits)
- Begin in 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 ($42,300) 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 ($1,090)
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 ($12,590)
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 (coming soon).
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
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.
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
What’s next?
You’ve filled out the form above and are awaiting a response by the notification date. Now what? Applying for Admission is the next step. Already applied? Excellent! Check out our custom campus visits – we even offer a FLY ON US package where the cost of your flight can be credited to your account. Also, your Admissions Counselor and Enrollment Team will be connecting with you soon to go over details and answer any questions you may have!