How hard is it to get into St. Olaf College?
With a 48.3% acceptance rate, St. Olaf College is selective — attainable for solid, well-prepared applicants. It enrolls roughly 3,124 undergraduates (small town setting) in Northfield, MN. Solid grades, a sensible test plan, and thoughtful essays go a long way here.
What it takes to get in
- SAT: admitted students land around 1300–1470 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
- ACT: the middle 50% is about 28–32.
- GPA: admitted students average around 3.73. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
- Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
- Essays: at St. Olaf College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.
Cost
Published tuition is about $59,760 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.
Notable programs
Music · Mathematics · Biology · Economics
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Try Halo freeSt. Olaf College admissions FAQ
- What is St. Olaf College's acceptance rate?
- St. Olaf College's acceptance rate is 48.3%, which makes it selective — attainable for solid, well-prepared applicants.
- What SAT or ACT score do you need for St. Olaf College?
- Admitted students typically score about 1300–1470 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 28–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
- Is St. Olaf College test-optional?
- St. Olaf College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.
Sources & official links
- St. Olaf College official website
- St. Olaf College on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on St. Olaf College’s official admissions site.