International Student Financial Assistance
International students are a vital part of the St. Olaf community and the Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students reach their academic goals. Last year, grants for our international students ranged form $5,000 to $43,700. St. Olaf offers a limited number of scholarships to students who show financial need and exemplary achievement in their academic studies as well as participation outside of the classroom. For questions regarding international student financial assistance or international admissions, please e-mail Jenny Howenstine at howensti@stolaf.edu.
To apply for financial aid, international students are required to complete either the International Student Financial Aid Application or the CSS Profile. You will also need to fill out an International Student Certification of Finance Form, which is required for issuance of a student visa.
If you are an American living overseas or have dual citizenship with the United States, please refer to the standard prospective student financial aid pages.
Planning your expenditures
There are many costs to keep in mind while contemplating studying abroad. This page includes the major costs of studying abroad, and offers suggestions on what you should do to prepare for financing your education. The amounts listed are for illustration and actual cost for subsequent years will be higher.
Cost of attending St. Olaf for 2012-13
- Tuition: $39,560
- Room and Board: $9,090
- Subtotal: $48,650
- Health Insurance, Books and Misc.: $2,700 (estimate)
- Estimated total: $51,350
Travel
You should also keep in mind the costs of travel to your home and back, travel within the United States, phone bills, and summer activities.
Health insurance
Health insurance should be a priority while living in the United States and quality medical coverage is a must. If you are in need of health insurance, we suggest that you visit the international student insurance website for information.
Sources of Aid
Your government
Often the best source of aid for international students is their country of origin. Check with your local government agencies to see if they have educational funding budgets. These programs often require you to return to your home country and work in some faculty there. Contact the cultural section of your embassy or your ministry of education for more information (there are many awards which require you to be nominated by your government)
International organizations
There may be a few private scholarships for international students. Many of these scholarships require that you apply from within your home country, and you may not be eligible if you are already living in the United States.
The U.S. government
International students are not eligible for U.S. government loan plans, grants, or work-study programs. However in a few cases (depending on your country of origin) the U.S. government may offer some financial assistance. You should check with the U.S. State Department to see if there are any programs at this time.
