Founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, St. Olaf is a nationally ranked liberal arts college of the ELCA located in Northfield, Minnesota.
St. Olaf has defined the best education that can be had as a residential liberal arts education. We bring students together to this campus on a hill, place them in community with one another, and open to them the faculty and the curriculum of the college. We do this not to prepare them for any particular occupation but rather to provide them with the base of knowledge, the skills and proficiencies, the experiences, and the habits of mind and heart that will enable them to flourish in whatever future awaits them.
Undergraduate research allows students to develop professionally and personally in ways not possible through traditional lecture and laboratory courses. Research experiences within all academic disciplines give students the opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge of research techniques and processes, apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, explore academic literature, and form meaningful relationships with faculty members and professional researchers. Information about how to find such opportunities on and off campus, how to apply for research positions, and frequently asked questions can be found below.
Coaches in the Piper Center are eager to assist you in finding a career or vocational path
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The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsThe Center for Advising and Academic Support (CAAS) provides resources for all St. Olaf students as they work to maximize their full academic potential. CAAS collaborates with faculty, staff, and other campus partners to provide a range of services, programs, and resources to support student learning at no additional cost. Support is student-centered, accessible, and inclusive.
The Residence Life Program at St. Olaf fosters the development of community within the residence halls, honor houses and across campus. As a residential college, we require that all full-time students reside in college-owned housing as far as accommodations permit. Our co-ed halls house men and women on separate floors or corridors. First-year students will be assigned housing in one of the three first-year-only halls or in Hill/Kitt or Mohn Halls, where upper-class and first-year students reside on separate floors.
Our student rooms are equipped with extra long twin beds. The beds have frames that raise the mattress creating a loft or bunked bed if desired.
We encourage all college employees to make use of the electronic and print collections in Rølvaag Library, the Glasoe Science Library (in the Science Center), and the Halvorson Music Library (in the Music Building). Your college ID serves as your library card, allowing you to check out material and, in most cases, take it home.
All student rooms have computer network hookups that offer access to the Internet and e-mail. Each residence hall has a formal lounge, piano, recreation room, computer room, laundry facilities, kitchen and vending machines.
St. Olaf College’s partnership with Northfield Hospital & Clinics provides access to certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can diagnose, treat, and write prescriptions for common illnesses and injuries.
Located in Northfield, Minnesota, 40 miles south of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the St. Olaf campus includes 30 major academic, residential, and service buildings, most of which are constructed in the Scandinavian-modern architectural style.
St. Olaf College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the US Department of Education.
Overall experience was great.
Engaged classroom experience. Very experienced and supporting faculty who are always available to listen to you and offer guidance. Great outside classroom support resources as well as financial support.
If you're looking for an intimate, small town college experience where you know your professors, St. Olaf is a great choice! The winter is long and harsh, but there is a strong sense of community and you are easily able to take classes outside of your chosen course.