Mount Olive College
Mount Olive College is a private-nonprofit university located in Mount Olive, NC. It is a small institution with approximately 3,336 undergraduate students. The university is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 49.8%. The average SAT score is 915. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $17,300. The graduation rate is 38.3%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 49.8%
- SAT Range
- 820–1020
- ACT Range
- 17–20
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Small (3,336 students)
- Type
- Private
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- rural
- Graduation Rate
- 38.3%
- Retention Rate
- 63.7%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $17,300
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $17,300
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Arts
Humanities
Social Sciences
Other
Health
Key Highlights
- Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
- Town setting offering focused academic environment
- Strong focus on undergraduate education
- Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Mount Olive College reflects the institution's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through a vibrant campus community rooted in Christian fellowship and mutual support. Despite its rural setting, the campus offers numerous opportunities for engagement, personal development, and social connection. Students can participate in more than 40 clubs and organizations spanning academic interests, service initiatives, Greek life, and special interests. The Student Government Association provides leadership opportunities and gives students a voice in institutional governance. Campus ministry programs offer regular worship services, Bible studies, and mission trips that allow students to explore and deepen their faith while serving others. Athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division II level in Conference Carolinas, fielding teams in sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis. These athletic programs foster school spirit and provide opportunities for student-athletes to develop discipline, teamwork, and competitive excellence. The university also offers intramural sports for students seeking recreational athletic participation. Residence halls create living-learning communities where students form lasting friendships and develop independence while receiving support from resident advisors. Campus traditions, including homecoming celebrations and annual service events, create shared experiences that bind the community together and establish connections that extend well beyond graduation.
Location & Surroundings
Mount Olive is situated in Wayne County, North Carolina, approximately 60 miles southeast of Raleigh and 30 miles north of Goldsboro. This rural setting offers students a peaceful environment removed from urban distractions, allowing for focused academic work while still providing access to larger metropolitan areas for internships, cultural experiences, and recreational activities. The town of Mount Olive itself is a charming Southern community known for hosting the annual North Carolina Pickle Festival, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage and pickle production industry. The surrounding region features beautiful coastal plains landscapes with mild winters and warm summers characteristic of the North Carolina piedmont. Students can easily access the Atlantic coast beaches within about an hour's drive, providing opportunities for beach activities and coastal exploration during breaks. The Triangle region, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, offers world-class museums, research institutions, and entertainment venues accessible for day trips or weekend excursions. The campus location also provides convenient access to employment opportunities with major employers in the region, including healthcare systems, manufacturing facilities, and government agencies. The cost of living in this rural area remains significantly lower than in major metropolitan centers, making the Mount Olive experience financially accessible for many students and their families.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Financial planning for Mount Olive College requires understanding the institution's commitment to making quality education accessible through competitive tuition rates and robust financial aid programs. As a private nonprofit institution, Mount Olive offers tuition rates that compare favorably with many private universities in the region while providing the personalized attention and faith-based environment that distinguish the institution. The financial aid office works diligently with students and families to create affordable education packages combining institutional scholarships, federal and state grants, work-study opportunities, and loans when necessary. Many students qualify for merit-based scholarships recognizing academic achievement, leadership, or special talents in athletics, music, or other areas. The university also offers need-based aid to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent qualified students from pursuing their educational goals. Career preparation begins early in students' academic journeys through advising, internship placement, and professional development programming. The career services office maintains relationships with employers throughout North Carolina and beyond, facilitating job placement for graduates across various industries. Alumni of Mount Olive have achieved success in healthcare, education, business, ministry, criminal justice, and numerous other fields. The university's emphasis on practical skills, ethical leadership, and professional networking prepares graduates to compete effectively in the job market while making meaningful contributions to their communities and chosen professions.
Campus Location
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