St Olaf College

St. Olaf offers 85+ majors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs, with particular strength in the sciences, mathematics, and music. The college is ranked #23 for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report and is in the top 10 nationally for programs in chemistry, foreign languages, and mathematics. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, and the Piper Center for Vocation and Career helps students connect their studies to post-graduate opportunities. Notable programs include music (with the renowned St. Olaf Choir), biology, and education, with strong pathways to teaching certification.

Life at St. Olaf is intensely residential, with 99% of students living on campus in college-owned housing. The 300-acre campus, frequently ranked among the nation's most beautiful, fosters a tight-knit community. Students are actively involved in over 200 organizations, with a strong emphasis on music (40% participate in ensembles), theater, and outdoor recreation. The college's Norwegian heritage shines through events like the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Division III athletics are popular, and the school's location in Northfield (pop. 20,000) offers a quintessential small-college-town vibe.

St. Olaf boasts strong graduation rates, with 82% of students completing their degree within four years (above the national average). Alumni earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, rising to $48,373 after six years—11% above the national median. The college's Strive for Five initiative highlights its commitment to affordability and positive outcomes, with first-to-second-year retention rates exceeding 81%. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees, leveraging St. Olaf's strong reputation in the sciences and humanities.

St. Olaf's comprehensive fee surpasses $80,000, but the college is aggressive with financial aid—99% of students receive some form of assistance, and 75% earn merit scholarships. The average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $22,863, with need-based packages averaging $58,276. Families earning under $48,000 typically pay around $10,570 annually. The MyinTuition calculator helps estimate costs, and the college emphasizes its commitment to making education affordable through grants (not loans) for low-income students.

St. Olaf distinguishes itself through its extraordinary music programs (the choir has performed at the White House and the Grammy Awards), its Scandinavian roots (evident in campus traditions and architecture), and its balance of rigorous academics with Midwestern warmth. The college's focus on 'vocation'—helping students connect their passions to purposeful careers—sets it apart, as does its stunning hilltop campus, which feels like a pastoral retreat. For students who want a liberal arts education with strong STEM offerings and a side of lutefisk, there's nowhere quite like it.