St Olaf College
About
Located on a picturesque hilltop in Northfield, Minnesota, St. Olaf College is a premier residential liberal arts institution celebrated for its world-class music program—anchored by its internationally renowned choir—alongside powerhouse majors in the natural sciences, mathematics, and pre-health. The campus culture is defined by a deeply collaborative, tight-knit community where nearly all students live on "the Hill," fostering a vibrant student experience filled with rich traditions, outdoor activities, and active engagement. What truly sets St. Olaf apart is its extraordinary global focus, boasting one of the nation's top-ranked study abroad programs with nearly three-quarters of students studying internationally, combined with a unique Norwegian-Lutheran heritage that inspires a lifelong commitment to service and social justice.
Wikipedia:St. Olaf College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, United States. It was founded in 1874 by a group of Norwegian-American pastors and farmers led by Pastor Bernt Julius Muus. The college is named after the King and the Patron Saint Olaf II of Norway and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
St Olaf College accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if St Olaf College is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.