About Gustavus Adolphus College
Gustavus Adolphus College builds its reputation on Lutheran values and strong arts programs, particularly in music and theater. The 1,930 students on this Saint Peter campus know they're part of a tradition that produced Senator Paul Wellstone and actor Charlie Korsmo. With an acceptance rate of 73.9%, Gusties (as students call themselves) typically arrive with ACT scores around 28. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students intensive January courses between traditional semesters. This liberal arts environment thrives in a small Minnesota town where the Golden Gusties compete in 19 Division III sports.
The sticker price hits $66,500, but most families pay far less after aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $15,799. Middle-class families earning $48,000-$75,000 typically pay $17,611. Graduates earn a median $65,607 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,774 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $284, while the loan repayment rate reaches 83.3%.
The student body draws heavily from Minnesota, with 80.4% staying in-state for college. Women slightly outnumber men at 54.8% to 45.2%. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment or continue their education.
The sticker price hits $66,500, but most families pay far less after aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $15,799. Middle-class families earning $48,000-$75,000 typically pay $17,611. Graduates earn a median $65,607 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,774 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $284, while the loan repayment rate reaches 83.3%.
The student body draws heavily from Minnesota, with 80.4% staying in-state for college. Women slightly outnumber men at 54.8% to 45.2%. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment or continue their education.
Academics & Faculty
Students at this Lutheran liberal arts college work closely with faculty in a supportive 11:1 student-teacher ratio. The school built its reputation on strong music and theater programs that draw talented performers from across the Midwest. Liberal arts education here means students explore diverse subjects before choosing a major, with requirements spanning humanities, sciences, and arts. Nearly 76% of students graduate within four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The college's Four-One-Four calendar system allows students to pursue intensive January term courses or internships. With 80% of students coming from Minnesota, the school maintains strong regional connections that help graduates find jobs. The 84% freshman retention rate shows most students find their academic fit quickly.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.9%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,607
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,196 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,302 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,166 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
Campus Life
Saint Peter sits 65 miles southwest of Minneapolis, giving students access to the Twin Cities while maintaining small-town charm. With housing capacity for 2,125 students and enrollment at 1,930, virtually everyone lives on campus during their first few years. Minnesota winters demand serious winter gear, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through March.
The campus revolves around Nobel Hall and the impressive Jussi Björling Recital Hall, reflecting the school's well-known music program that draws talented performers. Students follow the unique Four-One-Four calendar system, taking four courses in fall, one intensive January term course, then four spring courses. The Golden Gusties compete in 19 Division III sports with 681 total athletes, meaning over one-third of students play varsity athletics. Weekend activities center on athletic events, music performances, and outdoor recreation at nearby state parks. The Lutheran heritage creates a values-driven campus culture without being overly restrictive. Students often gather at the campus coffee shop or take advantage of the 84.23% retention rate's tight-knit community feel.
The campus revolves around Nobel Hall and the impressive Jussi Björling Recital Hall, reflecting the school's well-known music program that draws talented performers. Students follow the unique Four-One-Four calendar system, taking four courses in fall, one intensive January term course, then four spring courses. The Golden Gusties compete in 19 Division III sports with 681 total athletes, meaning over one-third of students play varsity athletics. Weekend activities center on athletic events, music performances, and outdoor recreation at nearby state parks. The Lutheran heritage creates a values-driven campus culture without being overly restrictive. Students often gather at the campus coffee shop or take advantage of the 84.23% retention rate's tight-knit community feel.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 2,125 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1862
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–24°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The Golden Gusties draw heavily from Minnesota, with 80% coming from in-state. This reflects the college's deep roots in Lutheran communities across the upper Midwest. The student body leans slightly female at 55%, typical for liberal arts colleges with strong programs in education and the arts. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Gustavus serves middle-class families seeking a faith-based education. The predominantly white enrollment mirrors Minnesota's demographics and the school's traditional Lutheran constituency. Students here value the close-knit community feel that comes with 1,930 total enrollment.
- Men
- 45.2%
- Women
- 54.8%
- White
- 79.8%
- Black
- 2.3%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 2.5%
- In-State Students
- 80.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.4%
Location
Gustavus Adolphus College sits in Saint Peter, Minnesota, about 65 miles southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The school enrolls 1,930 students in this classic college town along the Minnesota River valley. Saint Peter offers the quintessential small-town Minnesota experience with tree-lined streets and a compact downtown that caters to college life. Over 80% of students come from within Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. The campus benefits from its proximity to the Twin Cities for internships and cultural opportunities while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of a rural college setting. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and the scenic Minnesota River. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Gustavus Adolphus College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082-1498
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,607
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,911
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,774
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Gustavus Adolphus College?
Gustavus accepts 73.90% of applicants with an average ACT score of 28. This Swedish Lutheran college draws primarily from Minnesota, with 80.41% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Gustavus Adolphus College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $26,895 despite a sticker price of $54,310 for tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,799 on average, while the median debt at graduation is $26,774.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Gustavus Adolphus College?
Students enjoy an 11:1 student-faculty ratio in this liberal arts environment. The college is particularly known for its strong music and theater programs within its Lutheran academic tradition.
What are the career outcomes for Gustavus Adolphus College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $65,607 ten years after graduation with a 97.8% employment rate. The 75.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit community atmosphere of this 1,930-student college.
Where is Gustavus Adolphus College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Saint Peter, Minnesota, with housing capacity for 2,125 students despite having only 1,930 enrolled. The Golden Gusties compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 681 total athletes participating.
Does Gustavus Adolphus College have a notable rivalry?
The college's main rival is St. Olaf College, another Minnesota Lutheran institution. This rivalry stems from their shared Norwegian and Swedish heritage, with Gustavus representing the Swedish Lutheran tradition since 1862.
