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    St Olaf College

    St Olaf College has verified and supplemented the information on this page.

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    Overview

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    From St. Olaf

    St. Olaf doesn’t produce ordinary college grads. It turns out Oles (Oh-Lees). St. Olaf’s
    3,000 students come from 90 countries, every state, and a variety of religious and non-
    religious backgrounds. Oles choose from more than 85 majors, concentrations, and pre-
    professional tracks within the intense liberal arts academic program. The long-standing
    emphasis on global engagement broadens perspectives, and two-thirds of Oles study
    abroad. Oles aren’t necessarily religious, but the college’s religious tradition encourages
    deep self-reflection. Over 200 organizations flourish within an intensely residential
    setting. The vibrant Ole community accepts, supports, and encourages, generating
    lifelong friendships and invaluable connections.

    St. Olaf’s beautiful 300-acre campus is located in Northfield, Minnesota, approximately
    40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

    Vist St. Olaf
    Affording a St. Olaf Education
    Student Life
    St Olaf College
    Liberal Arts Liberal Arts
    A liberal arts college offers a well-rounded education with a strong focus on critical thinking, writing, and discussion-based learning. Students can expect small class sizes, close relationships with professors, and a broad curriculum that encourages exploration across disciplines. These schools are great for students who enjoy interdisciplinary studies or haven’t decided on their major yet.
    31 Town
    Colleges in small towns provide a strong sense of community and a classic college experience. College towns are often centered around campus life, with local businesses catering to students. Students will typically spend more time on college-planned activities than at urban colleges.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    Affordability Overview

    From St. Olaf

    A great college education gives you the freedom to choose your own future; too much student debt can limit that freedom. At St. Olaf, we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, so if you are admitted you and your family can afford to attend St. Olaf.
    We also offer merit scholarships in academics and the fine arts. Merit scholarships range from $2,000 to $30,000 per year.

    Graduate with Less Debt and More Possibilities
    What you need to know about the process to apply for need-based financial aid

    Scholarships Overview

    From St. Olaf

    St. Olaf offers competitive scholarships that recognize achievement and potential for academic, artistic, service, and leadership success.

    Academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of the application through the St. Olaf Admissions Office. Fine arts scholarships are awarded on the basis of the fine arts application, audition, interviews, or portfolio reviews by faculty members.

    Merit Scholarships

    We acknowledge the differing grading practices and standards among high schools, we do not set minimum criteria for scholarship candidates and instead evaluate a student’s academic performance and potential on an individual basis.
    Students who live on campus and are awarded a merit scholarship are also eligible to receive the $3,000 Housing Scholarship.

    Music Scholarship

    St. Olaf provides a comprehensive education in music with deep roots in the liberal arts. Oles find a distinguished and committed faculty, a rich and challenging curriculum, outstanding performance opportunities, and a large community of talented and intelligent student musicians. Students do not need to major in music to be eligible for this scholarship.

    Art Scholarship

    St. Olaf art scholarships are merit-based scholarships that are awarded to incoming new students with exceptional art talent. Students do not need to major in art to be eligible for this scholarship.

    Dance Scholarship

    St. Olaf art scholarships are merit-based scholarships that are awarded to incoming new students with exceptional dance talent. Students do not need to major in dance to be eligible for this scholarship.

    Theater Scholarship

    St. Olaf theater scholarships are merit-based scholarships that are awarded to incoming new students with exceptional theater talent and promise in any area of theater. Students do not need to major in theater to be eligible for this scholarship.

    Show More

    $69,000

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $47,004

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $21,996

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition & Fees
    $54,650
    Books & Supplies
    $1,000
    Room & Board
    $12,450
    Other
    $900

    Estimated Cost:

    $69,000

    The sticker price at St. Olaf is $69,000. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at St. Olaf would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    St Olaf College Financial Aid

    To apply for financial aid at St. Olaf you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.


    The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.


    The FAFSA code for St. Olaf is 002382 and the CSS Profile Code is 6638.


    The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:


    Midwest Student Tuition Exchange

    St. Olaf is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at St. Olaf. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.

    Pell Grants at St Olaf College

    22% of students at St Olaf College receive Pell Grants.


    The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at St. Olaf. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:


    Admissions

    Admissions Overview

    From St. Olaf

    ARE YOU AN OLE? Oles come from all over the world and the house next door. What unites us is a sense of deep ambition: a trust in the investment of hard work. A commitment to improving ourselves while making a positive impact on others. Oles share a desire to create the kind of community and world we all want to live in – and the will to work toward it. Where some see problems, Oles see solutions. If you’re all about learning – about yourself, each other, and the world – if you believe that when we have the courage to share what makes us unique we are all richer for it, ten yes YOU’RE AN OLE
    To foster our community we look for multifaceted people from diverse backgrounds who

    What does it mean to be an Ole?
    FAQ

    56%

    Admission Rate

    31

    Average ACT

    Is St. Olaf test-optional?

    St Olaf College is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.

    Does St. Olaf accept the CLT?

    Yes, St. Olaf accepts the Classical Learning Test (CLT) from applicants. The CLT is an emerging alternative to the SAT and ACT that focuses on classic and historical texts. For more information on the CLT, check out Scholarships360’s full guide.

    What is the application deadline at St. Olaf?

    November
    1

    Early Action

    November
    1

    Early Decision I

    January
    15

    Early Decision II

    January
    15

    Regular Decision

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 85%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Social Sciences

    19%

    19% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    13%

    13% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    12%

    12% of graduates

    Psychology

    9%

    9% of graduates

    Mathematics

    7%

    7% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    6%

    6% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Education

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Philosophy & Religious Studies

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    3%

    3% of graduates

    History

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Liberal Arts & Humanities

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 3,019

    Pell Grant 20%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 0%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%

    Percent Male / Female 42% / 58%

    Ethnic Diversity at St. Olaf

    67% White

    11% International / Non-Citizen

    8% Hispanic

    6% Asian / Pacific Islander

    4% Multiracial

    3% Black

    1% Unknown

    Student Outcomes

    Student Outcomes Overview

    From St. Olaf

    We want to help students figure out their next steps, so we encourage students to get curious, talk to people, and try new things. 92% of St. Olaf graduates participated in an internship, research or field experience, community service, or similar experiential learning opportunity.

    We offer advising and career coaching along with 5,000+ of these experiential learning opportunities designed to help you develop your four-year path, participate in hands-on experiences, and achieve your future career goals. The result? 95% of St. Olaf graduates are employed, in graduate school, or pursuing full time service work within 9 months of graduation.

    Internships
    Find Your Path

    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $65,543

    Median Debt $26,000

    Debt 10 years after graduation $276

    Graduation Rate 85%

    What is the graduation rate at St Olaf College?

    85% of students who start at St Olaf College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 27% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of St Olaf College go on to earn?

    The median income of students 10 years after starting at St Olaf College is $65,543. This is $15,152 more than the national median.


    This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from St Olaf College who received federal financial aid.


    Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at St. Olaf take out in loans?

    Graduates of St. Olaf take out a median of $26,000 in federal student loans. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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