Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Northfield, Minnesota |
| Online | stolaf.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, approximately 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, occupies a hilltop campus known for its distinctive limestone buildings and Nordic architectural influences. Founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, the private liberal arts college maintains its Lutheran heritage while operating as an independent institution. The college is recognized for its strong programs in music, natural sciences, and mathematics, with its music department hosting multiple choirs and orchestras that perform internationally. St. Olaf operates on a residential model where most students live on campus in residence halls or college-owned houses, and the campus includes a natural lands area used for environmental research and recreation. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Oles, while maintaining selective admission standards for its undergraduate-only student body.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
St Olaf is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for St Olaf College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#161 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#127 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#3 in Best Private Colleges in Minnesota
#81 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1260/1470 |
| ACT | 28/32 |
| GPA | 3.68 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $13,000 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $900 |
| Total One Year Cost | $71,870 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 10% |
| Physical Sciences | 8% |
| Mathematics | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering St Olaf are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174844 IPEDS survey data for St Olaf College.
Current students may use the St Olaf College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025