Current Student Grants

St. Olaf grants range from $1,000 to approximately $41,000 annually. St. Olaf grants are need-based grants from the college to the student that do not need to be repaid. The amount of the grant is based on the amount of need the family demonstrates through completion of the CSS/Financial Aid Profile and FAFSA. St. Olaf grants are funded through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of the college, and other St. Olaf funds.

As students progress through St. Olaf, their St. Olaf Grant may increase in future years – though it is likely that tuition and other increases will be larger.

Keep in mind, St. Olaf merit scholarships also become a part of the need-based aid package.

Pell Grant awards ranged from $598 to $5,815 for the 2016 – 2017 Academic Year. Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and the FAFSA determines eligibility for the Pell Grant. Like all grants, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.

Pell Grant recipients may inquire with the Financial Aid Office to request funds to use for the purchase of books and supplies. Advances will be given to students with credit balances after all charges and aid. 

SEOG awards range from $500-$3,000 annually. Preference in the SEOG program is given to students who are Pell Grant recipients.

Minnesota State Grants range from $340 to approximately $8,000. Minnesota State Grants are awarded to eligible Minnesota residents on the basis of need and do not have to be repaid. Amount of the grant is determined once the state budget is set in July prior to the upcoming school year. St. Olaf provide an estimates in the financial aid award based on the previous year’s amount.

The TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education ) Grant program is a federal grant program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who plan to teach full-time in high-need fields in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve low-income students.  Recipients of TEACH Grants must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing their program of study.

In order to receive the TEACH Grant, federal regulations require student must complete the TEACH Grant Counseling and Agreement To Serve. Students must also complete the St. Olaf TEACH Grant Application. Typically, only juniors and seniors majoring in education are eligible to receive this grant.

Important:  Students who fail to complete the service obligation will have all amounts of the TEACH Grants received converted to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans which must then be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education.  Interest will be charged from the date the grant was received.