St Olaf College
About St Olaf College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. It is known for its strong science programs, music ensembles, and study-abroad participation rate, with an 85% graduation rate and a Norwegian Lutheran heritage.
Founded
1874
Location
Northfield, Minnesota
Students
3,093
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
48.3%
Selective
Graduation Rate
84%
Above national average
Tuition
$59,760
Per year
Avg Net Price
$23,874
After financial aid
SAT Average
1380
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$65,543
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
48.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
St Olaf College accepts 48.3% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1380 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1380/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
84% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.2%
4-Year Grad
81%
6-Year Grad
85%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.5%
$/Student
$19.7K
Class Size
Medium
81% of students graduate on time, and 75.5% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$59,760
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,630
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$71,843
After Financial Aid
$23,874
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,404
Receive Grants
21.2%
Take Loans
42%
Don't let the $59,760 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $23,874 after financial aid, a 60% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $10,404.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at St Olaf College fund their education.
While in School
21.2%
Get Grants
Free money
42%
Take Loans
Must repay
$90,436
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $66K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends St Olaf College.
Gender
58.4%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,093
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
12.9%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 10.5% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
3,093
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
St Olaf College fields 16 varsity teams with 793 student athletes, about 26% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Minnesota
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
16
Biggest: Track and Field (Indoor)
Student Athletes
793
26% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
457
Men
336
Women
13
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of St Olaf Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$65,543
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$36K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Mathematics
$59K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$56K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$35K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$31K
52 grads
1yr Earnings
Chemistry
$44K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $48K at six years, $48K at eight, and $66K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about St Olaf College
What is the acceptance rate at St Olaf College?▾
How much does St Olaf College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at St Olaf College?▾
How much do St Olaf College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.