About the Scholarship Program
St. Olaf’s first academic scholarship program began in 1993 with the presentation of 23 Presidential Scholarship Awards. In 1994, the program was expanded and renamed the Buntrock Academic Scholarship Program in honor of the many accomplishments and contributions to the college made by alumnus Dean L. Buntrock ’57, his wife, Rosemarie, and his brother Clayton ’59.
Academic Awards
St. Olaf awards academic scholarships in six tiers:
- The Buntrock Scholarship, recognizing students with outstanding academic accomplishment and exemplary achievement across many facets of the high school experience;
- The Regents Scholarship, recognizing students with outstanding academic accomplishment;
- The Presidential Scholarship, recognizing salutary academic achievement;
- The Dean’s Scholarship, recognizing a strong and sustained academic achievement
- The Faculty Scholarship, recognizing a balanced record of consistent academic achievement; and
- The St. Olaf Scholarship, recognizing academic achievement
All students receiving an Academic Merit Scholarship will also receive a $3,000 St Olaf Campus Housing Scholarship that stacks on top of the academic scholarship.
Eligibility
Eligibility for all academic scholarships is based on information provided in the Common Application, including test scores (if the students chooses to submit test scores), high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The most qualified candidates will be awarded a Buntrock Scholarship. Well-qualified candidates will be offered the Presidential Scholarship. These awards will be specified in the letter of admission.
A distinguishing feature of St. Olaf’s academic scholarship program is its emphasis on academic accomplishment in combination with other kinds of involvement and achievement. Acknowledging the differing grading practices and standards among high schools, we do not set minimum criteria for scholarship candidates and instead evaluate a student’s academic performance and potential on a holistic and individual basis.
How to Apply
Students interested in being considered for all St. Olaf scholarships, including academic scholarships, must submit a complete application for admission. Submission deadlines are:
- Early Decision 1 – November 1
- Early Action – November 1
- Early Decision 2 – January 15
- Regular Decision – January 15
Note: Students seeking consideration for merit scholarships only do not need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSS PROFILE.
All students applying for need-based financial aid in addition to any merit scholarships must complete the FAFSA application to be eligible for federal funding and the CSS PROFILE to be eligible for St. Olaf institutional funding. Both financial aid applications must be completed by the stated deadlines to ensure full consideration for all available funds.
For More Information
Contact your admissions officer at 507-786-3025 or toll-free 800-800-3025, or e-mail scholarships@stolaf.edu for other or more specific information about academic scholarships.