The Area/Town: St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, a picturesque town of about 20,000 residents, known for its charming downtown, featuring a few streets of quaint shops and restaurants, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Just 45 minutes south of Minneapolis, students have access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major metropolitan area, while enjoying the tranquility of a small-town setting. The area offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing.

Northfield itself is often described as a Hallmark movie-like town and has a strong connection with its two colleges, St. Olaf and Carleton College. Students enjoy walking into town to explore local eateries and coffee shops, and to participate in community events like farmers' markets and live music.

The Campus/Students: St. Olaf's beautiful 300-acre campus embraces its natural surroundings and highlights its sustainability efforts (a windmill generates about one-third of the campus's energy). The campus architecture combines traditional collegiate Gothic with modern elements, and every building (including dorms) features a piano, reflecting the college's deep-rooted commitment to the arts and music.

With a strong emphasis on community, 95% of the 3,000 undergraduates live on campus, fostering a close-knit residential experience. Arts and music are integral to campus life, with students engaging in choirs (there are seven!), bands, theater, and dance. St. Olaf is one of only three liberal arts colleges accredited for dance, and participation in the arts is open to all students, regardless of their major. The annual Christmas Festival is broadcast on PBS, and students involved in the orchestras, bands, and choirs tour nationally and internationally on a rotating basis. To say this is a musical campus is an understatement.

Hockey is the most attended sporting event, reflecting a spirited campus culture in which 54% of students participate in sports, and 20% are involved in varsity athletics. The college also offers townhomes and special-interest housing for upperclassmen, offering varied residential options.

Academics: Known for its rigorous academic programs, St. Olaf combines a liberal arts education with hands-on learning opportunities. Popular majors include biology, nursing, mathematics, economics, and music. The college offers unique academic experiences such as a cadaver lab and three-hour lab sessions for in-depth exploration. Students are required to take a religion or Christian theology class, with many options available to cater to diverse interests.

St. Olaf encourages experiential learning, with 88% of students participating in internships, research, or study abroad programs. The college's study abroad participation is high: 62% of students have studied abroad at least once, and 15% have done so more than once.

60% of students come from outside Minnesota, 22% are first-generation college students, and 10% are international. St. Olaf offers a welcoming atmosphere for students from various backgrounds, and the culture is widely regarded as progressive (with strong resources and built-in support systems for LGBTQ+ students, for example). Though 12% of students are Lutheran, nearly half report no religious preference, highlighting the campus’s inclusive and accepting culture.

St. Olaf is ranked among the top 24 career centers in the nation by Princeton Review. The college offers extensive career development support through its Connections Program, spanning 10 centers. The OLY Career Launchers program provides fully funded internship opportunities, and the college awards $700,000 in internship funding annually.

Cost: The 2025-26 total Cost of Attendance was approximately $79,000, but St. Olaf is committed to making its education more affordable. Nearly 90% of students receive financial assistance, and the college is dedicated to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. The vast majority of students without need receive merit awards, which can be quite generous.

Early Decision applicants receive additional benefits, such as a minimum $25,000 merit scholarship and the guarantee of living in one of their top two residence hall choices. Additionally, all costs for a semester or year-long study abroad are covered for these students.

St. Olaf offers a comprehensive liberal arts education in a picturesque, supportive community. With strong academics, a vibrant arts and music scene, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusion, St. Olaf is a compelling choice for students seeking a balanced and enriching college experience.

Visit St. Olaf’s website to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for you.