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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 2025.

Olivet signs on Ludwig

The Olivet Nazarene University Leadership Scholarship

Watch this brief overview video to see the details about this four-year scholarship. We Believe. You Belong Here.

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 25th anniversary of that first group of Leadership Scholars, the University will again offer the Leadership Scholarship to select incoming freshman students. The scholarship awards will vary in size, with a number of students receiving scholarships that will increase their aid to cover full-tuition for all four years of enrollment.

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 central 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 graduate
Students gather around in Centennial Chapel
Faculty walking with two students

Application Details

Olivet Nazarene University is seeking to build its class of 2029 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.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the application using the link above.
  2. You may include optional supplementary materials at the time of application or add them later (until the deadline), if you so choose.
  3. Students may choose to enhance their scholarship application with an optional on-campus interview with their admissions counselor.

Optional Supplementary Materials:
This is your opportunity to showcase yourself. If you love to write, include an additional essay or writing sample. Or maybe you can best communicate your service experience and leadership aspirations through a short video, a digital or physical portfolio, or something altogether different. We welcome your creativity in helping us get to know you. You may also discover that your application speaks for itself and choose not to submit supplemental materials. It’s completely up to you!

If you have questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact your admissions counselor.

Timeline:

The deadline to submit your scholarship application and any supplementary materials is January 10. You may submit materials separately, but they must be received on or before January 10. The committee will then review all applications and notify recipients on or before February 1.

We will also reserve a limited amount of funds for a second Leadership Scholarship group. Those students must submit applications and supplementary materials by March 10 and will be notified on or before April 1. Again, materials may be submitted separately, but all materials must be submitted by March 10.

We anticipate increased participation as the school year continues, so we encourage all students to apply in the first group by January 10 if you can.

Further details:

Students who have not been accepted for admission may apply for the scholarship. However, to receive a scholarship award on the notification dates (February 1 or April 1), students must also complete the OLIVET APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION, submit transcripts, and submit the FAFSA. This award is limited to those students who LIVE ON CAMPUS in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and enroll in regular, full-time undergraduate coursework (at least 12 credits per semester, but 15 credits recommended), beginning Fall 2025, and attend classes in person on the main campus in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Students are responsible for room and meals, and qualifying financial aid and loans may apply.

To continue receiving this award package each year for up to 4 years, recipients must meet ONU Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, remain in good standing with campus covenants and continue to submit all requested supporting documents by the established deadlines.

What’s next?

You’ve filled out the form above and are awaiting a response by the notification date (February 1). 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!

All About VisitsApply Now

HOUSING, ROOM AND BOARD

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

Full-tuition awardees are responsible for their housing and meal plan costs and any campus program fees. This section should answer most of those questions. For most students, direct costs are broken into three categories: Tuition, Housing and Meals (Room & Board), and General Fee.

 

TUITION ($39,310) 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 ($11,590)

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.

Student A 2024-25 Financial Aid example  Student B 2024-25 Financial Aid example  Student C 2024-25 Financial Aid example

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 2029. 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.

The entrance at Olivet Nazarene University

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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