St Olaf College
St Olaf College has an acceptance rate of 48.3%, annual tuition of $59,760, average net price of $23,874, and a national rank of #157 (Grade A-), with a 84.0% six-year graduation rate, about 3,093 undergraduates, and median earnings of $48,373 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
St Olaf College is a private nonprofit university in Northfield, MN. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Mathematics.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.2% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -49.3%, roughly 134.6 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is St Olaf College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
St Olaf College graduates 84.0% of students within six years and keeps 92.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use St Olaf College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $59,760 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,630 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $900 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $71,843 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.2% of St Olaf College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,404 to $33,166 depending on family income. Use St Olaf College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,367/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,166/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $48,373
- 10-Year Median Earnings $48,373
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 89.0%
- Employment Rate 88.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for St Olaf College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
St Olaf College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how St Olaf College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes St Olaf College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While St Olaf College graduates earn $48,373 median, the -49.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 660-740
- SAT Math 640-730
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 28-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,093
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 92.2%
- Graduation Rate 84.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into St Olaf College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: St Olaf College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 48.3%, St Olaf College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: St Olaf College accepts 48.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1300 and 1470 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among St Olaf College undergraduates. Biology, General, Economics, and Mathematics draw the most students.
- Biology, General 11.6%
- Economics 10.9%
- Mathematics 7.0%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 6.6%
- Political Science and Government 5.7%
- Music 5.1%
See more majors
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.4%
- English Language and Literature, General 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $105,613
- 2. Mathematics $85,214
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,743
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Economics $81,483
- 5. Biology, General $66,856
- 6. Political Science and Government $65,865
- 7. Chemistry $65,522
- 8. Psychology, General $58,862
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $57,128
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $56,481
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $105,613—87% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($56,481). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for St Olaf College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 114 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 107 graduates)
- Mathematics (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 65 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (35 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computer Science
- Area Studies
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Sociology and Anthropology
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Education, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,093
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.6%
- Female Students 58.4%
- Caucasian 66.7%
- Asian 4.9%
- Hispanic 9.7%
- Black 3.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects St Olaf College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of St Olaf College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St Olaf College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at St Olaf College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St Olaf College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at St Olaf College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
St Olaf College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -49.3% ROI. Ranked #157 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,874 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $48,373 median earnings. With 84.0% graduating within six years and 92.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: St Olaf College's Positioning
With a A- grade and #157 ranking, St Olaf College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,874 annually, St Olaf College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 92.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,712 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -49.3% ROI and $48,373 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,874+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: St Olaf College ranks #157 of 6101 institutions, with 1023 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 84.0% six-year graduation rate sits 21.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.2% first-year retention is 15.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -49.3% return on investment is 134.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $48,373 run about 11% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,874 is roughly $6,477 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years sits 20.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,874 is about $6,477 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.2% trails the national share by 17.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It holds a #157 national ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
92.2% of learners come back after year one while 84.0% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -49.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,874 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $71,843.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $47,969 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $48,373 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 11% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 88.9% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -49.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
48.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the St Olaf College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is St Olaf College's acceptance rate?
St Olaf College's acceptance rate is 48.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does St Olaf College cost?
At St Olaf College, listed tuition and fees are $59,760 per year, and the average net price after aid is $23,874. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is St Olaf College's ranking?
St Olaf College ranks #157 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is St Olaf College's graduation rate?
At St Olaf College, the six-year graduation rate is 84.0%, and first-year retention is 92.2%.
What are St Olaf College's job outcomes?
Graduates of St Olaf College report median earnings of $48,373 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is St Olaf College's student population?
St Olaf College enrolls about 3,093 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Northfield, MN 55057-1098
- Website wp.stolaf.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$711.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate11.4%