FINANCIAL AID

How much is St. Olaf's comprehensive fee and what does it cover?

The 2007-08 St. Olaf comprehensive fee is $38,500: tuition is $30,600; room and board is $7,900. The fee does not cover books, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. International students should budget an additional $2,500 for these expenses. The I-20 costs for the visa application totals $41,000. 

Students should also factor in any international travel to and from their home country, travel within the United States, phone bills, etc. International students should take into consideration that the miscellaneous expenses and comprehensive fee increase every year.

Does your school offer any financial assistance or need-based scholarships for international students?

Only international students who intend on completing a degree at St. Olaf College are eligible for financial aid, which is limited. Most scholarships average half of tuition. Highly competitive applicants will be considered for a full tuition scholarship.  

Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence and economic need. To qualify for a I-20 student visa, international students must prove adequate financial support for their period of study. St. Olaf will only isue the I-20 visa document after students have been accepted, confirmed their attendance (through a $600 deposit), and further verified their ability to support their education.

Are there special scholarships for Norwegian students? Do you administer the Lånekassen scholarship?

Please check out this link for scholarship information specifically for Norwegian students. St. Olaf College does not handle details for the Norwegian government’s Lånekassen's loan/stipend program, please check with them.

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for need-based financial aid, international students must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application and the International Student Certification of Finance. Both will we sent to you once you start an application. You can learn more about international student financial aid at this site.

International students should not complete the FAFSA or CSS Profile forms.

Can international students apply for merit-based scholarships? If so, what SAT I or ACT scores do I need to qualify?

Talented students may apply for merit-based scholarships, which are renewable. Please note the strict deadlines.  You can learn more about the academic, music, and community service/leadership scholarships at this link.

There are no minimum scores for the Buntrock Academic Scholarships, but recent averages were 1288 (SAT I) or 29 (ACT), 3.83 GPA, and top 10% class rank.  We also look at academic courses and require an essay.

Are international students allowed to work on or off campus to earn money?

As stipulated in the student’s visa, international students are permitted to work on-campus only. Students may be awarded up to $2,400 for on-campus work-study in various academic departments and offices. Off-campus work requires special permission from immigration services.

Are educational loans available to international students?


Yes. Students attending college in the state of Minnesota are eligible for long term, low interest loans through several sources.  To qualify for them, international students must have a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident co-sign the loan.  You may also wish to explore opportunities for loans through government, non-profit, and private sources in your home country.

Should I pursue outside scholarships, and, if I receive them, do I need to notify St. Olaf?


Yes. All applicants are encouraged to pursue any source of funding that may help them afford their education at St. Olaf. Money may be available through local, national, regional, and global foundations. To maximize your chances of receiving financial aid from St. Olaf, it is imperative that you provide us with details of any outside assistance you have obtained.