St. Olaf offers competitive merit scholarships that recognize achievement and potential for academic, artistic, service, and leadership success. With the exception of the National Merit Scholarship program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of the application through the St. Olaf Admissions Office.
Students may apply for as many scholarships as they wish. The total value of all merit scholarships cannot exceed $42,000, unless the family’s demonstrated need exceeds that amount. Merit Scholarships may be used to meet some or all of your demonstrated financial need. All questions about Merit Scholarships should be directed to the Admissions Office.
The following is a summary of the merit scholarships available for students applying to the Class of 2030.
| Scholarship | Amount per Year | How to Apply |
| Academic Scholarships* (Buntrock, Regents, Presidential, Dean’s, Faculty, St. Olaf and Transfer Scholarships) |
$17,000-$34,000 | No additional steps are necessary. All students will be automatically considered for academic scholarships. |
| Campus Living Scholarship* | $4,000 | No additional steps are necessary. All new students (starting Fall 2026) receiving an Academic Merit Scholarship will also receive the Campus Living Scholarship. |
| Transfer Student Scholarships | $5,000-$35,000 | No additional steps are necessary. Only available to transfer students. |
| Art Scholarships | $7,000 | Please click the link for more information. |
| Dance Scholarships | $7,000 | Please click the link for more information. |
| Music Scholarships | $2,000-$12,000 | Please click the link for more information. |
| Theater Scholarships | $7,000 | Please click the link for more information. |
| National Merit Scholarship Program | Up to $2,000 | Please click the link for more information. |
*The total value of Academic and Campus Living Scholarships will range from $21,000-$38,000. Students must live on campus and have a meal plan to be eligible for the Campus Living Scholarship.
For information about renewing merit scholarships, please review this page.