The Area: St. Olaf College is in Northfield, Minnesota. Located 45 minutes south of Minneapolis, students have relatively easy 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.

The Town: Northfield, often described as a Hallmark movie-like town, is a picturesque town of about 20,000 residents, known for its charming downtown that features a few streets of quaint shops, restaurants, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Students enjoy walking into town to explore local eateries and coffee shops and participate in community events like farmers' markets and live music.

The Campus/Students: St. Olaf's 300-acre campus is celebrated for its stunning natural surroundings and sustainability efforts, highlighted by a windmill that 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 world-renowned choirs, 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.

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

With 60% of students coming from outside Minnesota, 30% identifying as LGBTQ, 22% being first-generation college students, and 10% being international, St. Olaf offers a welcoming atmosphere for students from various backgrounds. Though 12% of students are Lutheran, 46% report no religious preference.

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 fulfill the requirement.

St. Olaf encourages experiential learning, and 88% of students participate in internships, research, or study abroad programs (62% of students study abroad at least once, and 15% do so more than once). The college is ranked among the top 24 career centers in the nation by Princeton Review and offers extensive support for career development through its Connections Program, which spans 10 different centers. The Ole Career Launcher program provides fully funded internship opportunities, and the college awards $700,000 annually for internships.

Cost: With a total cost of attendance around $70,000, St. Olaf is committed to making education affordable. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and offers robust financial aid packages (nearly 90% of students receive financial assistance). 99% of students without demonstrated need receive merit; the average award is around $26,000 per year.

Accepted 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.

St. Olaf College 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.