The University of Olivet was ranked twice in Washington Monthly’s 2021 College Guide and Rankings, earning a spot on the regional “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: Midwest” list and the nationwide “Bachelor’s Colleges Ranking” list.
“I am pleased to see The University of Olivet recognized for its affordability and contribution to public good by the Washington Monthly rankings,” said Doug Kellar, vice president for enrollment management. “These rankings consider factors in unique categories, like social mobility and promoting public service, which are points of pride for The University of Olivet.”
According to Washington Monthly, their rankings are, “crafted to push institutions of higher learning to be engines of upward mobility, scientific progress and democratic participation.” Categories like social mobility and promoting public service measure what colleges do for the country. The University of Olivet was ranked No. 56 overall in the nation on the Bachelor’s College Ranking, and was noted as No. 52 in the category of service and No. 61 in the category of social mobility.
Commitments to Service Learning and Social Mobility
The University of Olivet’s rich history includes a commitment to service learning since its founding. Today, the College offers Service Day each semester and other trips throughout the academic year that occur over weekends, spring break and holiday breaks. These trips serve communities both locally and nationally, including locations like Port Austin, Michigan, where students regularly volunteer at a local history center and elementary school, and various cities in Florida and the southern United States to perform hurricane and flood relief efforts.
“From the beginning, Olivet has instilled graduates with principles of volunteerism and giving back so that they may set strong examples within their own communities,” said Jacob Richards ’18, community service coordinator and director of the Difference Maker Scholarship program. “Olivet continues to nurture this ideal in our students through a dedication to service. I believe this national ranking reflects not only Olivet’s success in teaching ‘the divine art and science of doing good to others,’ but it also reveals the inspiring dedication our students have toward making the world a better place.”
In addition, the College identifies at-risk students who may struggle academically or economically to provide mentorship and support services. Many of these programs are related to the social mobility ranking, including the Hiram Archer Student Success Academy, a mentorship program for students of color. Other programs include Comets Cupboard, a free food pantry located in Olivet’s Student Success Center, and the Comet Career Closet, providing free professional clothing to students seeking job and internship opportunities.
“Olivet has acknowledged that disparities exist, and the College continues to make efforts to focus on retention and create opportunity for disadvantaged students to attend The University of Olivet and remain through graduation,” said Joshua Gillespie, director of career readiness and diversity strategic initiatives. “The University of Olivet is committed to ensuring that students have the tools to be successful in college and beyond. This commitment is realized through academic achievement incentives, free tutoring, a recently developed healthcare center, access to additional funding to assist with books and other unforeseen circumstances, and other mentorship and support programs. All of this plays a role in reducing barriers.”
An Affordable College Education
The “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings” by Washington Monthly considers how well colleges help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. The list is created by isolating the social mobility metrics from the main rankings of four-year institutions. On the Midwest list, The University of Olivet Ranked No. 113.
“The Washington Monthly rankings affirm that The University of Olivet provides an excellent educational experience,” The University of Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., said. “We are proud to be ranked as a Best Bachelor’s College, noting our strong emphasis on community service and social mobility. As we continue our commitment to each student’s personal, academic and career success, I am confident we will remain one of the top choices in the nation for students who want an engaging and affordable college experience.”
Washington Monthly’s rankings examined 1,466 colleges nationwide, including public, private nonprofit, and for-profit colleges. Graduation rates, data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and more were used to determine rankings. To review the complete rankings and methodology, visit https://washingtonmonthly.com/2021college-guide.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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