Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Northfield, Minnesota |
| Online | stolaf.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
St. Olaf College, a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, was founded in 1874 by a group of Norwegian-American immigrant pastors and farmers. Named after the patron saint of Norway, the campus is distinguished by its Scandinavian heritage and a striking array of traditional and modernist buildings spread over 300 acres of land, offering views of the surrounding natural landscapes. Approximately 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the college facilitates an immersive academic experience within a rural, yet accessible setting. St. Olaf is well-regarded for its strong programs in music, biology, and mathematics, and the institution maintains a reputation for its rigorous academics with a somewhat selective admission process. The college requires students to live on campus for the duration of their attendance, fostering a residential community that includes an array of housing options, from traditional dormitories to townhouses and honor houses. Although St. Olaf is not primarily known for its athletic programs, it competes in NCAA Division III as the "Oles" across a range of sports.
In the most recent statistical year 5,524 prospective students applied, and 3,116 were granted admission. Of those admitted 869 enrolled in the school. 3,022 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 24 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $54,650 plus fees of $0. St Olaf is ranked 156 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
St Olaf is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for St Olaf College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#156 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#121 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#3 in Best Private Colleges in Minnesota
#77 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1300/1480 |
| ACT | 28/33 |
| GPA | 3.68 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $12,450 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $900 |
| Total One Year Cost | $69,000 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 10% |
| Physical Sciences | 8% |
| Mathematics | 8% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about St Olaf College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174844 IPEDS survey data for St Olaf College.
Current students may use the St Olaf College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024