St Olaf College

Overview

St. Olaf College, a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, was founded in 1874 by a group of Norwegian-American immigrant pastors and farmers. Named after the patron saint of Norway, the campus is distinguished by its Scandinavian heritage and a striking array of traditional and modernist buildings spread over 300 acres of land, offering views of the surrounding natural landscapes. Approximately 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the college facilitates an immersive academic experience within a rural, yet accessible setting. St. Olaf is well-regarded for its strong programs in music, biology, and mathematics, and the institution maintains a reputation for its rigorous academics with a somewhat selective admission process. The college requires students to live on campus for the duration of their attendance, fostering a residential community that includes an array of housing options, from traditional dormitories to townhouses and honor houses. Although St. Olaf is not primarily known for its athletic programs, it competes in NCAA Division III as the "Oles" across a range of sports.

In the most recent statistical year 5,524 prospective students applied, and 3,116 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 869 enrolled in the school.  3,022 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 24 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $54,650 plus fees of $0. St Olaf is ranked 156 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.