Renewing Merit-Based Aid
How do I renew my scholarship?
Merit Scholarships all have various requirements for renewal. If you meet these requirements your scholarship will automatically renew, you don't have to fill out any forms or applications. For specific renewal requirements, check out the specific scholarship below.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
All St. Olaf Academic Scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. They are as follows:
| Scholarship | Minimum GPA |
|---|---|
| Buntrock Scholarship | 3.1 |
| Presidential Scholarship | 3.1 |
| St. Olaf Scholarship | 3.1 |
ST. OLAF SERVICE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS
Recipients of the St. Olaf Service Leadership Scholarship are expected to participate in church or community service activities and/or organizations either on the St. Olaf Campus, in Northfield, or in a nearby community. The annual award is renewable for three years, based upon demonstrated participation in community service activities in the first year.
ART SCHOLARSHIPS
For renewal of Art Scholarships, check with the Art Department or e-mail danielsg@stolaf.edu.
DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
For renewal of Music Scholarships, check with the Dance Department or e-mail danielsg@stolaf.edu.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
For renewal of Music Scholarships, check with the Music Department or e-mail music@stolaf.edu.
THEATER SCHOLARSHIPS
For renewal of Music Scholarships, check with the Theater Department or e-mail theatre@stolaf.edu.
What happens if I lose my scholarship?
St. Olaf's policy is to meet the demonstrated need of every student on campus. There are minimum requirements for scholarship renewal, however, our first priority is to meet demonstrated need. If you do not meet the requirements toward retaining one of the merit scholarships listed above, one of two scenarios will occur. First, if you are a student who demonstrates need, any merit aid will be replaced within a few hundred dollars with other need-based aid. This aid can be in many forms, including scholarships and grants. Overall, need-based students will not lose any gift dollars. Second, if you are a student without demonstrated financial need, your scholarship will be lost until you are able to meet the renewal criteria.
If you lose your scholarship due to GPA requirements and your grades improve, notify the Financial Aid Office and we will review your GPA and reinstate any scholarship that had been canceled.
How is my progress tracked?
The grade point average of students receiving merit scholarships is checked once a year in June when merit scholarships are renewed and spring grades are in.
We will check in on students awarded scholarships with volunteer requirements over the course of the year and a final determination will be made when the scholarships are renewed in June. If you are in danger of losing a volunteer-based scholarship, you will be notified well in advance of any decision to remove your scholarship.
