About St Olaf College
Despite a sticker price of $56,970, most families pay far less through generous financial aid. The average net price drops to $22,752, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,504. Graduates earn a median of $65,543 ten years out, easily covering the typical $26,000 in student debt with monthly payments of $276. The 89% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their debt successfully.
Students compete in 26 Division III sports as the Oles, with 565 total athletes on campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions typical of top liberal arts colleges. With an 84% four-year graduation rate and 95.5% employment rate, St. Olaf delivers on its academic promises. The school's 4-1-4 calendar includes a January term for intensive study or internships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.5%
- Retention Rate
- 90.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,543
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,123 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Philosophy. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
Campus Life
The famous St. Olaf Choir performs throughout the year, and music fills the campus daily with practice sessions and performances. Students gather in the Buntrock Commons for meals and study sessions, taking advantage of the 12:1 student-faculty ratio for close mentoring relationships. Weekend activities center around the 26 varsity sports teams and outdoor recreation like hiking the nearby Cannon River trails. The school's Norwegian heritage shows up in traditions like the annual Christmas Festival, which draws thousands of visitors. With 57.79% women and strong Lutheran values, the campus culture emphasizes community service and academic collaboration. Students often spend Friday nights at athletic events or weekend trips to the Twin Cities.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,987 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 4°–23°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.2%
- Women
- 57.8%
- White
- 66.7%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 5.8%
- In-State Students
- 43.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.1%
Location
- Address
- Northfield, Minnesota 55057-1098
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,543
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,029
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 89.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at St Olaf College?
St Olaf College accepts 56.41% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a top liberal arts school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1300-1480 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for attracting strong academic performers who value its well-known music and liberal arts programs.
How much does St Olaf College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at St Olaf is $22,752, lower than the full tuition of $56,970. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of only $9,504, while the college's institutional grants average $40,399 for recipients, making this strong Lutheran liberal arts education surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at St Olaf College?
St Olaf maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,049 total students, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts colleges. The college operates on a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar system, allowing for intensive January term courses that often feature study abroad or specialized research opportunities.
What are the career outcomes for St Olaf College graduates?
St Olaf graduates earn a median salary of $65,543 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.5% employment rate. The college's 84.16% four-year graduation rate and strong alumni network, including notable figures like actor John Lithgow, help students launch successful careers across diverse fields.
Where is St Olaf College located and what is campus life like?
St Olaf sits in Northfield, Minnesota, a classic college town it shares with rival Carleton College. With housing capacity for 2,987 students and 565 student-athletes competing in 26 Division III sports, campus life centers around the tight-knit community of 'Oles' who embrace both academic rigor and Norwegian heritage traditions.
What is St Olaf College most famous for academically?
St Olaf is internationally well-known for its music program, particularly the world-famous St Olaf Choir that tours globally and has influenced choral music for over a century. The college's Norwegian Lutheran heritage permeates its liberal arts curriculum, with the motto 'Fram! Fram! Kristmenn, krossmenn' reflecting its commitment to moving forward in faith and scholarship.
