{"id":5148,"date":"2025-10-28T16:05:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T21:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/?page_id=5148"},"modified":"2025-11-07T11:31:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:31:42","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__tabs panel panel-tabs site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"tabs\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner\" data-js=\"tabs\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"site-panel__tablist\" data-js=\"tab-list\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"site-panel__tab-item\" role=\"presentation\" data-js=\"tab-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"site-panel__tab-btn site-panel__tab-btn--active\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-js=\"site-panel__tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-target=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-controls=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Show<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S.\/Domestic Students\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"site-panel__tab-item\" role=\"presentation\" data-js=\"tab-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"site-panel__tab-btn  \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-js=\"site-panel__tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-target=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-controls=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Show<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInternational Students\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__tab-content-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\" class=\"site-panel__tab-content site-panel__tab-content--active\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"panel panel-child panel--type-wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--default\" data-depth=\"1\" data-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"columns\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content  site-section \" data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-name=\"column_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16aab\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is the comprehensive fee for 2025-26?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is the comprehensive fee for 2025-26?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16aab\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> For 2025-26, the comprehensive fee is $77,000. The Comprehensive Fee includes all tuition, housing (non-single room) and meal plan charges. In addition, we anticipate students will spend $1,000 on books and $900 on personal and incidental expenses per year. The costs of travel to and from St. Olaf may also be factored into an aid award.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16bc5\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is your FAFSA code?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is your FAFSA code?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16bc5\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The FAFSA code for St. Olaf is: 002382.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16c14\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is your CSS PROFILE code?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is your CSS PROFILE code?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16c14\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The CSS PROFILE code for St. Olaf is: 6638.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16c54\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is the difference between merit scholarships and need-based aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is the difference between merit scholarships and need-based aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16c54\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Most aid at St. Olaf is based on each applicant&#8217;s financial needs. This is called &#8220;need-based&#8221; aid. St Olaf takes many factors (such as income, assets, family size and others) into consideration when looking at a family&#8217;s eligibility for need-based aid.<br \/>\nMerit scholarships consist of scholarships that are awarded to students for specific talents or accomplishments: e.g., academic and fine arts (music, dance, theater, art and art history). They are awarded without regard to a family&#8217;s ability to pay for college.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16c91\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does St. Olaf offer any athletic scholarships?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does St. Olaf offer any athletic scholarships?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16c91\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. We are an NCAA Division III school, which prevents us from offering any scholarships tied to athletics. However, many of our student-athletes have qualified for other scholarships or grants, including academic scholarships and need-based aid.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16ccb\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How Many Credits do I need to be in to get my financial aid&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How Many Credits do I need to be in to get my financial aid<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16ccb\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">For any St. Olaf Financial Aid, you are required to be full time, in at least 3 credits a semester. If you receive the Minnesota State Grant, you are required to be in 3.75 credits a semester. For federal loans, you must be in at least 1.75 credits. The Pell Grant will adjust if you drop below full time. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16d11\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What happens if I change my enrollment after the add\/drop deadline?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What happens if I change my enrollment after the add\/drop deadline?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16d11\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> After the add\/drop day (10 school days after the start of the term), financial aid will only change if there is a change to your billing. So if you drop one class later in the semester, billing will not change, so your financial aid will not change. If you do a full withdrawal, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/stuacct\/procedure_sto-55\/\">adjustments to your billing<\/a> so we must adjust your financial aid. Our full policy can be found here: https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-withdrawal-policies\/\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16d4c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;When are bills sent out for tuition and fees?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>When are bills sent out for tuition and fees?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16d4c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">St. Olaf bills twice per year. Fall semester bills are delivered electronically in early-July with payment due August 1st. Spring semester bills are delivered in early January with payment due\u00a0 February 1st.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16d81\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What if I cannot pay my balance&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What if I cannot pay my balance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16d81\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All students with a balance will be able to start class, but will incur finance charges and will not be able to register for future semester until your balance is below $1,000.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Applying for Aid<\/h2>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16db8\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Is there a way to get an idea of how much financial aid my family will qualify for before I apply?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Is there a way to get an idea of how much financial aid my family will qualify for before I apply?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16db8\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Yes. Your family can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/npc.collegeboard.org\/app\/stolaf\">Net Price Calculator<\/a>\u00a0to estimate what your cost might be to attend St. Olaf. This is only an estimate. Due to the holistic nature of our merit scholarship awarding process, the estimator cannot completely predict your eligibility for our varied merit aid programs, nor can it take into account any of your family\u2019s special financial circumstances that might be considered during the need-based aid application process. You can also get a quick estimate of cost through <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/admissions\/afford\/myintuition\/\">MyIntuition<\/a>. This asks fewer questions and gives family a range of costs to attend St. Olaf.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/admissions\/afford\/myintuition\/\">MyIntuition<\/a> is much quicker and is easier to complete than the Net Price Calculator. It is important to note that MyIntution gives a range of costs, whereas the Net Price Calculator shows a specific dollar amount for the estimate.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16dee\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do I apply for financial aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do I apply for financial aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16dee\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Prospective students can find <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/how-to-apply-for-financial-aid\/\">more detailed information here<\/a> on the application process. The Financial Aid Application deadlines are slightly different for each type of student (Early Decision, Regular Decision, or Transfer).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16e23\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is an FSA ID and who needs to have an FSA ID?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is an FSA ID and who needs to have an FSA ID?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16e23\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The FSA ID is a username and password that is required of all students to sign in and submit the FAFSA. If the student is a dependent student (almost all St. Olaf students are dependent students), then a parent will also need an FSA ID to sign and submit the FAFSA.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fsaid.ed.gov\/npas\/index.htm\">Click here to find out more information about the FSA ID<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16e66\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16e66\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Federal and state regulations require that the custodial parent (and stepparent, if custodial parent is remarried) complete the applications (both the FAFSA and the CSS PROFILE) for financial aid. For the purposes of state and federal financial aid (determined by the FAFSA), the parent that the student has lived with the most in the past year is considered the custodial parent. It does not matter who claimed the student as a dependent on a tax return, nor do any stipulations in the divorce agreement.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 For consideration of need-based financial aid from St. Olaf, a Noncustodial CSS PROFILE is required in cases where the applicant&#8217;s biological\/adoptive parents are separated or divorced. When a student and custodial parent submit the PROFILE, the student will be sent instructions about how to file the Non-Custodial Profile. Each parent&#8217;s ability to pay for college expenses will be evaluated in determining eligibility for St. Olaf need-based aid. If you do not have contact with your Non-Custodial Parent, please fill out a Non-Custodial Parent Waiver form found on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\">our Forms website<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16e9d\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do I send documents to St. Olaf?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do I send documents to St. Olaf?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16e9d\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The best way to send documents to our office is to send them through our secure upload; <a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.egnyte.com\/ul\/NJ6Fw9rNCB\">Egnyte<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16ed3\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do I apply for financial aid as an independent student?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do I apply for financial aid as an independent student?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16ed3\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Most sources of financial aid require that you be at least 24 years old in order to be considered an independent student. For more information about dependency of the FAFSA, please look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\/filling-out\/dependency\">US Department of Education&#8217;s definition of an independent student<\/a>. Plus note we will need documentation. If you do not fall under any of the requirements, and still believe you should be an independent student, please look at our page on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/special-circumstances\/\">Unusual Circumstance for Special Circumstances<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16f09\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;When will I hear if I\u2019m eligible for aid? &lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>When will I hear if I\u2019m eligible for aid? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16f09\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"><em>Assuming that your applications (Admission Application, CSS\/Financial Aid PROFILE, and FAFSA) are completed by the deadlines<\/em>, notification will depend upon the type of aid for which you are applying. Most academic scholarship notifications will come shortly after the admission decision. (Early Decision applicants may receive revised awards based on merit scholarship award processes.) Need-based financial aid awards are mailed one week following the admission decision. Please note: Some need-based financial aid awards may be delayed until merit scholarship decisions are finalized. You can find more information on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/how-to-apply-for-financial-aid\/\">financial aid dates and deadlines<\/a> on our website. Returning students will be notified by June 30th.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16f3e\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How can I be sure I get the best aid package? &lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How can I be sure I get the best aid package? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16f3e\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Answer the questions on the CSS Profile and FAFSA as accurately as you are able.\u00a0 <strong>We do not negotiate packages based on what another college or university has offered.<\/strong> We want to ensure, however, that we use the most accurate and up-to-date information available to determine your award. If you have notified another institution about an unusual circumstance affecting your finances, be sure that we have that information as well. To provide extra information about your financial situation, you may use the \u201cspecial circumstances\u201d section of the Profile or send appropriate documentation and letters directly to the Financial Aid Office. <a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.egnyte.com\/ul\/NJ6Fw9rNCB\">Please use this link to send us secure electronic documents.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16f71\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does applying Early Decision help or hurt my chances of getting financial aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does applying Early Decision help or hurt my chances of getting financial aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16f71\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Applying Early Decision does not hurt your financial aid. If you are on the fence about applying Early Decision or Early Action, take a look at the benefits on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/admissions\/apply\/early\/\">Admissions&#8217; website<\/a>!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16fa8\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Are there other ways to pay for school besides grants and scholarships from St. Olaf?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Are there other ways to pay for school besides grants and scholarships from St. Olaf?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16fa8\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">We encourage students to apply for outside sources of aid, especially through your local community, high school, church and community organizations. Additionally check with your parents\u2019 employers to see if they offer scholarships for children of employees. Researching and applying for private scholarships is time-consuming but it can really pay off (last year St. Olaf students received over $3.0 million in private scholarship aid!). Talk to your local high school guidance office for possible scholarship sources and conduct your own internet search of possible sources. While the large online scholarship databases, your best chances of winning a scholarship is at the local level. More information can be found on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/outside-scholarships\/\">Outside Scholarships page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a16fdd\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do I reapply for financial aid every year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do I reapply for financial aid every year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a16fdd\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">You are required to apply for need-based aid every year, but Merit scholarships are automatically renewed each year, assuming you have met the minimum GPA and\/or fine arts participation requirements outlined in your original scholarship offer. To reapply for need-based aid, please complete the FAFSA. You will not need to complete the CSS Profile form in your returning years at St. Olaf.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Understanding the Financial Aid Award<\/h2>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17011\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do the merit scholarships I\u2019ve received from St. Olaf fit into my need-based financial aid package?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do the merit scholarships I\u2019ve received from St. Olaf fit into my need-based financial aid package?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17011\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">When we create your need-based financial aid package, the merit scholarships you receive will be used to meet your demonstrated need along with any need-based grants for which you are eligible.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17048\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Can I expect to receive a similar financial aid package each year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Can I expect to receive a similar financial aid package each year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17048\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Generally, we will renew the need-based St. Olaf gift aid portion of your package each year, and we may increase it to cover a portion of future tuition increases. If, however, your family experiences a significant change in financial circumstances, such as a large increase in income (more than inflation) or a drop in the number of people in the household enrolled in college, your St. Olaf need-based gift aid may be reduced. Federal and state gift aid is determined using a federal formula, so even small changes in income may affect the amount awarded. Commensurate with federal loan limits and guidelines, sophomores, juniors, and seniors can expect increases in the loan amount of their financial aid awards. If you or your parents have specific questions about how your package will look for all four years, we encourage you to talk with your St. Olaf Financial Aid counselor, especially if you know that your financial circumstances will change (e.g., an older sibling is graduating from college or a younger one will start college while you are enrolled). We understand you are making a four-year commitment, and we are happy to provide an estimate of future eligibility.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a1707c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do outside scholarships affect my financial aid package from St. Olaf?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do outside scholarships affect my financial aid package from St. Olaf?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a1707c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Outside scholarships are added on top of the package already offered by St. Olaf. We will only reduce when we are required to. Federal regulations may require us to make adjustments to the package. In those cases, reductions will be split between student employment and the Federal Direct Loans. If a student receives enough outside aid to eliminate the self-help portion (subsidized student loans and work study) of the package and the student\u2019s need has been fully met, only then will need-based St. Olaf gift aid be reduced. Merit scholarships generally are not reduced when a student receives an outside scholarship. In all cases, outside scholarships improve the financial aid package by increasing the total amount of grant and scholarship dollars in your award and sometimes reducing the amount you have to earn and borrow.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a170b0\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;I received more financial aid from another school. Does St. Olaf match financial aid packages from other schools?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>I received more financial aid from another school. Does St. Olaf match financial aid packages from other schools?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a170b0\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. Every school has different financial aid resources and chooses to use those resources differently. We recognize that most families are looking at a range of costs when looking at different schools. Our mission in the St. Olaf Financial Aid Office is\u00a0to provide access to a St. Olaf education to families of varied economic backgrounds. We administer financial aid programs\u00a0with a commitment to equity, consistency and transparency in awarding resources. Although we do our best to take into account each family&#8217;s specific circumstances, <strong>we do not adjust financial aid packages based on the amount of financial aid offered from a different school<\/strong>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a170e5\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How can I request a reconsideration of my merit based scholarship(s)?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How can I request a reconsideration of my merit based scholarship(s)?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a170e5\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Merit scholarships are awarded by the Admissions Office during the admission application process. Due to this, all questions regarding merit scholarship decisions should be directed to the Admissions Office.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17119\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How can I request a reconsideration of my financial aid application?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How can I request a reconsideration of my financial aid application?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17119\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> Families may request a review of their financial aid award when the family&#8217;s circumstances have changed significantly. Job losses and major medical expenses (that have already been paid) are examples of circumstances that can be grounds for reconsideration. These requests should be based on the family&#8217;s financial situation changing, not other factors. Please feel free to contact us (<a href=\"mailto:finaid@stolaf.edu\">finaid@stolaf.edu<\/a>) if you have questions about your family&#8217;s circumstances and how to request reconsideration.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a1714c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Will St. Olaf reconsider my award if it is not enough to make St. Olaf affordable for me and my family?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Will St. Olaf reconsider my award if it is not enough to make St. Olaf affordable for me and my family?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a1714c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">If your or your family\u2019s financial circumstances have changed since you applied, or if you feel you provided us with incomplete information, you may request a review of the award by writing to the Financial Aid Office. We may adjust your award if the circumstances are both extenuating and documented. Please include specific information and data showing how your situation has changed since you completed the PROFILE.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17181\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What if my family\u2019s financial situation changes during the year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What if my family\u2019s financial situation changes during the year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17181\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">If your family\u2019s financial situation changes <strong><em>at any time<\/em><\/strong> we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office. We review each situation individually and can make adjustments to your award at any time during the year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a171b6\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Are students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid allowed to work on campus?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Are students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid allowed to work on campus?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a171b6\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">We offer student work award to all students as long as it fits in their financial aid package. While community based jobs in Northfield require a state or federal work award that is need-based financial aid, students with no need or lower need that do not qualify for those work awards can still have a campus work award and work on campus. If you would like a work award, email <a href=\"mailto:finaid@stolaf.edu\">finaid@stolaf.edu<\/a> or stop by Tomson 120 and we happy to add a work award if there is space.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a171eb\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What happens to my financial aid award if I study overseas?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What happens to my financial aid award if I study overseas?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a171eb\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Any need-based aid or merit scholarships that you receive from St. Olaf will still be available if you decide to study overseas or off-campus through one of our many approved St. Olaf programs. If you choose to attend a program that is not St. Olaf approved, your institutional grants and scholarships will not be available for you, although federal loans may still be utilized. St. Olaf also has additional scholarships available to help defray the extra costs associated with studying abroad on one of our approved semester or year-long programs. You will be instructed on how to apply for these scholarships when you are accepted to a program. Additional loans (for students or parents) will also be available.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17227\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How much loan debt am I likely to accumulate?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How much loan debt am I likely to accumulate?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17227\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The amount borrowed by St. Olaf students varies greatly with individual circumstances. For the graduating class of 2024, 58 percent of the students used student loans to finance a portion of their education. The median individual student indebtedness was $26,000 in this cohort.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section__content -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!--.site-section__inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\" class=\"site-panel__tab-content  \" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"panel panel-child panel--type-wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--default\" data-depth=\"1\" data-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"columns\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content  site-section \" data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-name=\"column_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a1768f\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is the comprehensive fee for 2025-26?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is the comprehensive fee for 2025-26?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a1768f\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> For 2025-26, the comprehensive fee is $77,000. The Comprehensive Fee includes all tuition, housing (non-single room) and meal plan charges. In addition, we anticipate students will spend $1,000 on books and $900 on personal and incidental expenses per year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a176f2\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is your CSS PROFILE code?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is your CSS PROFILE code?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a176f2\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The CSS PROFILE code for St. Olaf is: 6638.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17739\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Can international students receive financial aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Can international students receive financial aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17739\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">There is financial aid available for international students. International students are encouraged to contact Jenny Howenstine at <a href=\"mailto:howensti@stolaf.edu\">howensti@stolaf.edu<\/a>\u00a0for more specific information about aid and admissions. Also, check out the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/how-to-apply-for-financial-aid-international\/\">International Student section<\/a> of the Financial Aid website.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17776\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does St. Olaf offer full ride scholarships?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does St. Olaf offer full ride scholarships?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17776\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students that went to a UWC can get comprehensive fee <strong>based on need, but health insurance and indirect expenses are not covered right<\/strong>, Student that did not go to a UWC school can get up to tuition covered <strong>based on need<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a177af\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does St. Olaf offer any athletic scholarships?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does St. Olaf offer any athletic scholarships?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a177af\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. We are an NCAA Division III school, which prevents us from offering any scholarships tied to athletics. However, many of our student-athletes have qualified for other scholarships or grants, including academic scholarships and need-based aid.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a177e6\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How Many Credits do I need to be in to get my financial aid&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How Many Credits do I need to be in to get my financial aid<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a177e6\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">For any St. Olaf Financial Aid, you are required to be full time, in at least 3 credits a semester. If you receive the Minnesota State Grant, you are required to be in 3.75 credits a semester. For federal loans, you must be in at least 1.75 credits. The Pell Grant will adjust if you drop below full time. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a1781c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What happens if I change my enrollment after the add\/drop deadline?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What happens if I change my enrollment after the add\/drop deadline?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a1781c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> After the add\/drop day (10 school days after the start of the term), financial aid will only change if there is a change to your billing. So if you drop one class later in the semester, billing will not change, so your financial aid will not change. If you do a full withdrawal, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/stuacct\/procedure_sto-55\/\">adjustments to your billing<\/a> so we must adjust your financial aid. Our full policy can be found here: <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/international-student-information-2\/\">https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-withdrawal-policies\/<\/a>\u00a0 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17852\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;When are bills sent out for tuition and fees?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>When are bills sent out for tuition and fees?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17852\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">St. Olaf bills twice per year. Fall semester bills are delivered electronically in early-July with payment due August 1st. Spring semester bills are delivered in early January with payment due\u00a0 February 1st.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17888\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What if I cannot pay my balance&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What if I cannot pay my balance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17888\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All students with a balance will be able to start class, but will incur finance charges and will not be able to register for future semester until your balance is below USD$1,000. Students can help cover their balance with their St. Olaf loan, a payment plan through the Student Accounts office, or working on campus and having earns go to their student account<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a178c8\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Who should I talk to if I has Social Security Number (SSN) Questions?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Who should I talk to if I has Social Security Number (SSN) Questions?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a178c8\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">All SSN questions can be directed to Amanda Weber. She can be emailed at <a href=\"mailto:weber5@stolaf.edu\">weber5@stolaf.edu<\/a> or schedule an appointment with here <a href=\"https:\/\/weber5.youcanbook.me\/\">HERE<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17901\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;I have so many questions about coming to St. Olaf, how should I prepare?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>I have so many questions about coming to St. Olaf, how should I prepare?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17901\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">In the financial aid office, we only work with financing college, but there is so much more about coming to St. Olaf outside finances! <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/internationalstudents\/incoming\/\">Here is a great resource from the Taylor Center on different factors to studying at St. Olaf<\/a> and even their own <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/internationalstudents\/faq\/\">Commonly Asked Questions<\/a>!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Applying for Aid<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17936\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do I apply for financial aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do I apply for financial aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17936\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Prospective students can find more information on applying for financial aid application process <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/international-student-information-2\/\">HERE<\/a>. The Financial Aid Application deadlines are slightly different for each type of student. <strong>St. Olaf is happy to accept EITHER the CSS Profile or the ISFAA from international students applying for need-based aid.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a1796b\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do you provide fee waivers for the CSS Profile?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do you provide fee waivers for the CSS Profile?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a1796b\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Olaf does not give CSS Fee Waivers to international students. That said, you can submit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/files\/2025\/07\/26-27-International-Student-Financial-Aid-Application.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> instead of the CSS Profile. The ISFAA is free. St. Olaf is happy to accept EITHER the CSS Profile or the ISFAA from international students applying for need-based aid. <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a179a0\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a179a0\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">For consideration of need-based financial aid from St. Olaf, a Noncustodial CSS PROFILE is required in cases where the applicant&#8217;s biological\/adoptive parents are separated or divorced. When a student and custodial parent submit the PROFILE, the student will be sent instructions about how to file the Non-Custodial Profile. Each parent&#8217;s ability to pay for college expenses will be evaluated in determining eligibility for St. Olaf need-based aid. <strong>If you do not have contact with your Non-Custodial Parent, please fill out a Non-Custodial Parent Waiver form found on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\">our Forms website<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a179d6\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How do I send documents to St. Olaf?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How do I send documents to St. Olaf?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a179d6\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The best way to send documents to our office is to send them through our secure upload; <a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.egnyte.com\/ul\/NJ6Fw9rNCB\">Egnyte<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17a16\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;When will I hear if I\u2019m eligible for aid? &lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>When will I hear if I\u2019m eligible for aid? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17a16\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"><em>Assuming that your applications (Admission Application, CSS PROFILE\/ISFAA) are completed by the deadlines<\/em>, notification will depend upon the type of aid for which you are applying. Most academic scholarship notifications will come shortly after the admission decision. (Early Decision applicants may receive revised awards based on merit scholarship award processes.) Need-based financial aid awards are mailed one week following the admission decision. Please note: Some need-based financial aid awards may be delayed until merit scholarship decisions are finalized. You can find more information on <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/how-to-apply-for-financial-aid-international\/\">financial aid dates and deadlines<\/a> on our website. Returning students will be notified by June 30th.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17a4c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How can I be sure I get the best aid package? &lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How can I be sure I get the best aid package? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17a4c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Answer the questions on the CSS Profile\/ISFAA as accurately as you are able.\u00a0 <strong>We do not negotiate packages based on what another college or university has offered.<\/strong> We want to ensure, however, that we use the most accurate and up-to-date information available to determine your award. If you have notified another institution about an unusual circumstance affecting your finances, be sure that we have that information as well. To provide extra information about your financial situation, you may use the \u201cspecial circumstances\u201d section of the Profile or send appropriate documentation and letters directly to the Financial Aid Office. <a href=\"https:\/\/stolaf.egnyte.com\/ul\/NJ6Fw9rNCB\">Please use this link to send us secure electronic documents.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17a80\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does applying Early Decision help or hurt my chances of getting financial aid?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does applying Early Decision help or hurt my chances of getting financial aid?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17a80\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Absolutely not. The Financial Aid Office makes no distinction between Early Decision, Early Action and Regular students when awarding aid.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17ab4\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do I reapply for financial aid every year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do I reapply for financial aid every year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17ab4\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">For international students, you do not need to reapply for need based or merit based financial aid each year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17ae6\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Am I able to work on campus?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Am I able to work on campus?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17ae6\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">International students can work up to 8-10 hours a week with the average work award given to student. However, First-year International students work around 5-6 hours a week and earn almost USD$2,000 in a school year. International students can work on campus during the summer and work up to 40 hours\/week.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17b1a\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do I need to pay U.S. taxes?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do I need to pay U.S. taxes?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17b1a\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> Any scholarships that are taxed by the U.S. government is paid for by St. Olaf. At the end of the semester, you will get a charge and a grant for taxable scholarships. <strong>However, <\/strong>St. Olaf does not pay for any income tax. These taxes are filed before April 15th for the prior calendar year with the help of student accounts, the Taylor Center and payroll. Student are responsible to have their taxes paid to the correct governmental agency before April 15th. <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/internationalstudents\/current-students\/legal-and-financial-aid\/\">For more information, please click here<\/a>. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Understanding the Financial Aid Award<\/h2>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17b50\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Can I expect to receive a similar financial aid package each year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Can I expect to receive a similar financial aid package each year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17b50\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> International student will generally pay the same percentage of their tuition each year. So, if 50% of the cost of tuition is covered with financial aid for the first year, 50% of tuition will be covered for future terms. If you or your parents have specific questions about how your package will look for all four years, we encourage you to talk with your St. Olaf Financial Aid counselor, especially if you know that your financial circumstances will change (e.g., an older sibling is graduating from college or a younger one will start college while you are enrolled). We understand you are making a four-year commitment, and we are happy to provide an estimate of future eligibility.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17b84\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Does St. Olaf help with my travel to the U.S. or any of my visa costs?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Does St. Olaf help with my travel to the U.S. or any of my visa costs?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17b84\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> All aid in getting to St. Olaf or covering any SEVIS fees are through admission. Please reach out to Jenny Howenstine at <a href=\"mailto:howensti@stolaf.edu\">howensti@stolaf.edu<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17bb9\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Is health insurance mandatory? How do I pay for my health insurance?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Is health insurance mandatory? How do I pay for my health insurance?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17bb9\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Health insurance for international students is mandatory and will be charged to your student account. It costs $500 a semester and can be paid with student work earnings, your St. Olaf loan, or by making a payment through Flywire. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17beb\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Is a meal plan mandatory?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Is a meal plan mandatory?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17beb\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">It is required by Housing that if you live on campus, you must have a meal plan. More information can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/finance\/procedures-for-meal-plan-support\/\">HERE<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17c1f\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;I received more financial aid from another school. Does St. Olaf match financial aid packages from other schools?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>I received more financial aid from another school. Does St. Olaf match financial aid packages from other schools?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17c1f\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. Every school has different financial aid resources and chooses to use those resources differently. We recognize that most families are looking at a range of costs when looking at different schools. Our mission in the St. Olaf Financial Aid Office is\u00a0to provide access to a St. Olaf education to families of varied economic backgrounds. We administer financial aid programs\u00a0with a commitment to equity, consistency and transparency in awarding resources. Although we do our best to take into account each family&#8217;s specific circumstances, <strong>we do not adjust financial aid packages based on the amount of financial aid offered from a different school<\/strong>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17c54\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What is the St. Olaf Loan?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What is the St. Olaf Loan?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17c54\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">The St. Olaf loan is a loan for international through St. Olaf that <strong>must be paid back<\/strong>. Students are eligible for up to USD$4,000 a year, USD$16,000 for their full education. Y<strong>our St. Olaf loan will go to paying off your student balance FIRST.<\/strong> <strong>If there is a credit after taking out your St. Olaf loan, you can only use it for educational purposes.<\/strong> More information can be found our our website <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/st-olaf-loan-faqs\/\">HERE.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17c87\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;How can I request a reconsideration of my financial aid application?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>How can I request a reconsideration of my financial aid application?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17c87\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \"> Families may request a review of their financial aid award when the family&#8217;s circumstances have changed significantly. Job losses and major medical expenses (that have already been paid) are examples of circumstances that can be grounds for reconsideration. These requests should be based on the family&#8217;s financial situation changing, not other factors. Please feel free to contact us (<a href=\"mailto:finaid@stolaf.edu\">finaid@stolaf.edu<\/a>) if you have questions about your family&#8217;s circumstances and how to request reconsideration.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17cbc\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What if my family\u2019s financial situation changes during the year?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What if my family\u2019s financial situation changes during the year?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17cbc\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">If your family\u2019s financial situation changes <strong><em>at any time<\/em><\/strong> we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office. We review each situation individually and can make adjustments to your award at any time during the year. For international students, appeals are much harder to approve due to how students are awarded.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17cef\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Do you take USD exchange rates into consideration for appeals?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>Do you take USD exchange rates into consideration for appeals?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17cef\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">No. We will not take the exchange rate of any currency to USD as a reason to appeal for additional financial aid.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69e22a0a17d22\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"&lt;strong&gt;What happens to my financial aid award if I study abroad?&lt;\/strong&gt;\"    ><strong>What happens to my financial aid award if I study abroad?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"target-id69e22a0a17d22\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">Any need-based aid or merit scholarships that you receive from St. Olaf will still be available if you decide to study overseas or off-campus through one of our many approved St. Olaf programs. If you choose to attend a program that is not St. Olaf approved, your institutional grants and scholarships will not be available for you, although federal loans may still be utilized. St. Olaf also has additional scholarships available to help defray the extra costs associated with studying abroad on one of our approved semester or year-long programs. You will be instructed on how to apply for these scholarships when you are accepted to a program. Additional loans (for students or parents) will also be available.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section__content -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!--.site-section__inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10620,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5148","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10620"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5148"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5290,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5148\/revisions\/5290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/financialaid\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}