St Olaf College

St. Olaf College is recognized as a "Best Value" school, meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. They offer various financial assistance programs, including merit scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $30,000 per year. The college also provides tools to help families quickly calculate the financial aid they will receive, making it accessible for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

St. Olaf has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 52%. They seek students who demonstrate a strong interest in positively impacting the campus community. The college employs a holistic review process, considering factors beyond academic achievements, such as demonstrated interest and a desire to contribute to campus life.

St. Olaf offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. Students complete general education credits in writing, foreign language, society, religion, ethics, and sciences. The college boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11.8 to 1, ensuring personalized attention and strong mentorship opportunities with approachable and supportive professors.

St. Olaf graduates are highly sought after, with a strong emphasis on career preparation and experiential learning. Approximately 95% of recent graduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in full-time service within seven months of graduation. The college is also ranked 7th nationally for sending students to Ph.D. programs, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and career readiness.

St. Olaf fosters a close-knit, residential community where students live, learn, and play together. With over 250 student organizations, including academic, athletic, and multicultural groups, there are ample opportunities for engagement. The campus is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, with a significant portion of students participating in music programs and various artistic outlets.

St. Olaf is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The campus fosters a community built on trust, with a strong public safety presence. While specific details on security measures are limited, the college is recognized as having one of the safest college campuses in Minnesota.

St. Olaf offers various honors opportunities, including the Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (CURI) program, which allows students to engage in research with faculty. Students can also pursue Independent Study/Independent Research (IS/IR) projects and Directed Undergraduate Research (DUR) courses. The college also supports students in applying for external research opportunities and provides funding through programs like the Rockswold Health Scholars Program and Legal Scholars Program.

St. Olaf has a diverse student body, with students from nearly every state and over 95 countries. International students comprise 12% of the student population, contributing to a globally engaged community. The college offers study abroad programs in over 40 countries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.