Overview
St Olaf College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Northfield, Minnesota. The school accepts 56.4% of applicants and enrolls 3,049 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 56.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,390
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,300–1,480
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 3,049
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
St. Olaf's Lutheran heritage shapes every aspect of campus life, so your application should address how you connect with service, community, and ethical leadership. The college requires all students to complete a religion requirement regardless of personal faith, making intellectual openness about different belief systems essential.
Your essays should highlight St. Olaf's signature programs that few other schools offer. The Norway Semester lets students study at partner institutions in Oslo or Bergen while maintaining full enrollment. The Paracollege allows self-designed interdisciplinary majors with close faculty mentorship. Music students can access the college's well-known choir program, which tours internationally and records professionally. Math students benefit from small classes and strong graduate school placement rates.
Submit your application by December 1st for scholarship consideration, though the college accepts applications through February. St. Olaf requires the Common Application plus a supplemental essay asking why you want to attend. Write specifically about programs, professors, or opportunities you researched rather than generic statements about small liberal arts colleges.
The campus culture centers around genuine community building through house systems in residence halls and strong outdoor recreation programs. Students who appreciate Minnesota winters and enjoy activities like cross-country skiing fit naturally into campus life. The honor system governs academic work and residence hall policies, so students who prefer more structured environments with extensive rules may struggle.
Your recommendation letters matter significantly since St. Olaf emphasizes personal relationships between faculty and students. Choose recommenders who can speak to your character and potential contributions to campus community, not just your grades. The admissions office values demonstrated interest through campus visits, attending local information sessions, or connecting with admissions representatives.
Apply for need-based aid early since the college meets full demonstrated need for admitted students. Merit scholarships range up to full tuition for strong candidates, with separate applications required for music scholarships if you plan to audition for ensembles.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $22,752/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $56,970
- Students Receiving Aid
- 20%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,543/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
St Olaf College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for St Olaf College?
St Olaf College has a regular decision deadline of January 15 and offers early decision with a November 15 deadline.
Can you transfer to St Olaf College from another college?
St Olaf College accepts transfer students and requires a minimum of 32 credits to transfer. Transfer applications are due by April 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
What GPA do you need to get into St Olaf College?
St Olaf College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement but admitted students typically have strong academic records from challenging coursework.