Need-Based Grants

St. Olaf grants range from $1,000 to approximately $53,150 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 Profile and FAFSA. St. Olaf grants are funded through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of the college, and other St. Olaf funds.

Students awarded an academic merit scholarship are also automatically awarded the Campus Living Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship for full-time students who live on campus and have a meal plan. This grant pays directly toward tuition costs, not housing or meal plans. The Campus Housing Grant does not need to be repaid.

Students who participate in a semester or year-long St. Olaf-approved Off Campus Study program, and who are eligible for the Campus Living Grant, will be eligible for an Off Campus Study Grant that is equal to the Campus Housing Grant originally scheduled for the Off Campus Study semester(s).

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 over $9,000. 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 College affirms its commitment to provide a liberal arts education of high quality that encourages students to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Through the Partnership Grant program, St. Olaf College will match a congregational grant or scholarship from any faith community up to a maximum of $1,000 per student. This is a 1:1 match. If a student receives $500 from a faith community, they would receive $500 in Partnership Grant funds from St. Olaf. If a student received a scholarship of $2,500 from a faith community, they would receive a $1,000 Partnership Grant from St. Olaf. Faith community scholarship information and checks (made payable to St. Olaf College) should be submitted to St. Olaf College by August 15th.

St. Olaf College proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. The Veteran’s Administration (VA) will pay St. Olaf through the Post 9/11 GI Bill for tuition and fee charges after other grants and/or scholarships have been subtracted. The tuition and fees cap for the current academic year is $25,162. Once that amount has been disbursed by the VA (usually happens in late October), any remaining tuition and fee charges for that academic year are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. St. Olaf will pay 50% of the remaining tuition charges through the Yellow Ribbon program which is then matched by the VA.

Here is an example situation (tuition is $52,670 for the 2021-22 Academic Year):

The student received $15,000 in St. Olaf Grants/Scholarships. The student then receives $25,162 in the VA Benefit. This leaves $12,508 remaining (52,670 – 15,000 – 25,162 = $12,508). The remaining amount of tuition would be covered through the Yellow Ribbon program ($6,254 from St. Olaf and $6,254 from the VA matching program).

If you have any further questions about the VA Benefit or Yellow Ribbon Program, please contact Sean Lauderbaugh in the Financial Aid Office or Alyssa Ness.