Exploring St. Olaf College

For high school students and parents considering college options, St. Olaf College offers not just academic rigor and a supportive community, but also a vibrant art and music culture that is sure to inspire and nurture creativity—all set in the charming town of Northfield, Minnesota. Recently, we toured the St. Olaf campus and observed what makes this school such a compelling option.

Liberal Arts with Career Support

St. Olaf’s academic experience is firmly grounded in the liberal arts.

St. Olaf’s academic experience is firmly grounded in the liberal arts. The Liberal Arts (LA) Core is designed to foster critical thinking, and students can access professional and peer academic coaches for support. The most popular majors include math, biology, computer science, and economics. St. Olaf prepares students well for graduate studies—ranked 7th nationally for sending students to Ph.D. programs. They allow all students to go through the medical school process compared to many colleges that only support those with a certain GPA or other criteria, and 80% are accepted. There is a Mayo Clinic program for pre-med students and a medical device innovation program for those who want to know how to bring products to market.

Ole certificate programs are free and provide a way to gain career skills in the context of a liberal arts education. Topics vary each year and have included commercial real estate, finance, marketing, project management, kinesiology, and more.

The college also emphasizes experiential learning, funded internships, research, and entrepreneurial activities. The St. Olaf Orientation and Academic Resources (SOAR) program is an extended orientation program that teaches first-year students how to navigate academics and the resources available. All students have a research librarian assigned to them. During the January term, students can take classes on campus or study abroad for a month to escape the Minnesota cold.

Dynamic Campus Life and Community Engagement

Enjoy the Boe Memorial Chapel at St. Olaf College.

St. Olaf promotes a community where students feel both supported and engaged. Although St. Olaf has Lutheran roots, there is no mandatory religious attendance; students of all backgrounds, including those who are not religious, feel welcomed and accepted. St. Olaf integrates spirituality into its culture while being inclusive of all faiths. There are spaces for quiet reflection and an imam, rabbi, and chaplain on campus. The Lutheran Center hosts activities and interfaith dialogues. 

There are opportunities for civil discourse on various viewpoints, and organizations like the Taylor Center for Equity focus on non-religious dialogue, inviting speakers who help students reflect on various topics. LGBTQ+ students, too, find a supportive environment with inclusive housing options and a queer studies program.

Music is integral to the St. Olaf experience, with approximately one-third of students involved in various music programs—whether as majors or simply as passionate participants. The music program operates at a conservatory level, and the college offers music scholarships that are accessible to all, regardless of major. Students also participate in choir and vocal jazz. Pianos are readily available around campus. 

The visual arts are equally valued, with St. Olaf boasting a beautiful art building, an on-campus museum, and accredited dance and visual arts programs. Their impressive art collection is spread throughout the campus. Students can enjoy a variety of artistic outlets, including the library’s maker space, podcasting studio, and film equipment.

Living and Thriving on Campus

At St. Olaf, student life is genuinely residential.

At St. Olaf, student life is genuinely residential. All students live on campus, and there are newly built townhouses that house ten students each, some with themed communities. The dining hall provides a range of dietary options to accommodate allergies and preferences. We sampled the food, and it was delicious. St. Olaf is also mindful of students facing cold Minnesota winters, offering resources for winter clothing for those who need them.

The college’s proximity to Northfield adds charm; it’s just a 15-minute walk to town, where students enjoy local events like the Defeat of Jesse James Day or sledding on Old May Hill on the first snow. Transportation options for those needing to venture farther include a shuttle to the nearby Mall of America and a message board where students can connect for car rides.

Making the Transition and Getting Involved

“Us and Them” by Josh Garber

For students looking to blend academics with athletics or the arts, St. Olaf provides a perfect setting. Varsity athletics are prominent, and intramural sports have high participation rates. The college’s emphasis on music, sports, and arts ensures students can explore their interests.

With an acceptance rate of around 48% and a median GPA of 3.7, St. Olaf is accessible yet selective. It prioritizes a holistic approach to admissions, looking at demonstrated interest and valuing students who want to positively impact campus.

St. Olaf College is an excellent option for students seeking a solid education, a supportive community, a vibrant music and arts culture, and a commitment to personal growth.

Educational Advocates is here to help you with your college admissions journey.  Let us know how we can help you, as we have helped many other students achieve their college goals.