St Olaf Ratings and Reviews

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Northfield, MN
  • 4.8 4 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in Minnesota

St Olaf Ratings and Reviews

Ratings

St Olaf is rated within the top 25% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    9 out of 10
  • Resources
    9 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    10 out of 10

Student Review Summary

4.8

Approved reviews

4 student reviews

4 out of 4 (100%) reviewers rated 4 stars or higher

Students rate Academics highest and Student Life lowest.

Rating snapshot

  • 5 stars
    3
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Average by category

  • Overall Rating
    4.8
  • Academics
    5.0
  • Value for Money
    4.8
  • Professors / Faculty
    5.0
  • Campus Atmosphere
    4.2
  • Housing
    4.2
  • Campus Safety
    5.0
  • Student Life
    3.8
  • Party and Bar Scene
    3.8

Student and Parent Reviews

If you are a student, former student, faculty member or parent, please help guide other prospective students by sharing your personal experiences at this college. What is it really like to go to St Olaf College?

Apr 30, 2023
Rating 4 out of 5

A great school for academics and the professors are amazing, and genuinely care about their students. Small class sizes with a lot of flexibility and good on campus job opportunities. Now to the ?college life? portion: the dorms are ok. Not the worst I?ve seen, but what makes it hard is you?re required to live in a dorm style place for all four years so students don?t have the opportunity to live in apartments and slowly transition to more independence. Plus there is no resources for cooking your own food if you can?t make it to the small cafeteria at the designated times. Serious lack of healthy food in the cafeteria, rarely fresh fruit or vegetables available. Mostly burgers and fries etc. with no other options. Party scene is a C-, most things in northfield close around 6pm so you?re left stranded on a weekend and mInneapolis is too far in the bad weather most of the year. Most students are very academically minded and not into the typical college party. If that sounds like you, you?ll probably love st olaf but as someone from the big city it was a HARD adjustment even though I loved my classes.

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Apr 21, 2023
Rating 5 out of 5

As an alumnus of St. Olaf College, I can tell you that this is a truly exceptional institution that provides an unparalleled education experience. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider attending: Academics: St. Olaf College is widely recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. With a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and interdisciplinary learning, you'll graduate with a well-rounded education that will serve you well in any career you choose. Value for Money: Despite its reputation for excellence, St. Olaf is surprisingly affordable. In fact, the college offers a range of financial aid options to help make your education as affordable as possible. Plus, with a low student-to-faculty ratio and personalized attention from professors, you'll get an education that's worth every penny. Professors/Faculty: St. Olaf has a faculty of highly accomplished scholars and educators who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They're passionate about their subjects and committed to helping you develop your intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Campus Atmosphere: St. Olaf's campus is beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming. With a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff, you'll feel right at home from day one. Plus, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, there's always something to do on campus. Housing: St. Olaf offers a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and even on-campus houses. No matter where you live, you'll enjoy a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment that's conducive to learning and personal growth. Campus Safety: St. Olaf takes campus safety seriously, and the college has a dedicated team of campus security officers who work around the clock to keep students safe. Plus, with a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for one another, you'll feel secure and supported no matter where you are on campus. Dating and Social Life: St. Olaf's social scene is lively and diverse, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make lasting friendships. Whether you're looking for a serious relationship or just some fun social activities, you'll find plenty to keep you engaged and entertained. Party and Bar Scene: While St. Olaf is not known for its party scene, there are still plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun. Plus, with nearby Northfield offering a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, you'll never be at a loss for things to do. So, if you're looking for a college that offers exceptional academics, a welcoming community, and a supportive environment for personal growth and development, St. Olaf College is the perfect choice for you.

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Nov 5, 2017
Rating 5 out of 5

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May 27, 2016
Rating 5 out of 5

Great campus, great academics, great professors, small class size, friendly people from all over the world, great career development center, nice town with a lot of vitality because it is shared with Carlton College down the street.

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Rate St Olaf College

Share your ratings for St Olaf across academics, campus life, and more to help prospective students understand what it's really like to attend.

Your Overall Experience *

If a friend asked whether St Olaf was worth it, what would your gut say?

Academics *

Did classes challenge you and leave you feeling like you actually learned something?

Value for Money *

Considering tuition, aid, and what you got out of it, did the cost feel justified?

Professors and Faculty *

Were instructors accessible, engaged, and invested in students or mostly going through the motions?

Campus Atmosphere *

Did the campus feel welcoming and full of energy, or more like a place you simply passed through?

Student Housing *

Were dorms and residence halls somewhere you'd want to live, or a constant source of frustration?

Campus Safety *

Did you feel comfortable walking around at night, or did safety ever weigh on your mind?

Student Life *

Was it easy to find your people, make friends, and stay socially connected?

Party and Bar Scene *

Do weekends have a pulse here, or does the social scene quiet down once classes end?

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Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174844.

Last updated: August 2026