Each year, over 3,000 students come to St. Olaf College to learn and grow. They bring their experiences, their hopes, their identities, and their passions – all to make St. Olaf a vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful learning community that engages and challenges us all.
Not every student has had equitable opportunities to afford and prepare for college. This is why St. Olaf meets the demonstrated financial need of every student, every year. Grants, tuition discount, work study, scholarships, and loans – awarded by need – work together to make a St. Olaf education affordable.
By creating an endowed scholarship, you expand what’s possible for Oles every year. Inspired by your support, they often hope to help future Oles access the same opportunities once they launch their lives from the Hill.
Thank you!
Endowed scholarships are automatically awarded to returning students based on financial need and academic standing. Students do not apply for these scholarships other than by completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Awards are directed to students guided by fund preferences. Merit scholarships (not need-based) are awarded through the Admissions Office for student performance in academics, music, the fine arts, and other fields.
- Unrestricted scholarships are awarded solely on financial need.
- Restricted scholarships are awarded based on needs and restrictions, such as academic major.
We invite and encourage students to be our partners in sharing the impact of giving in several ways. Many are happy to participate!
- Scholarship recipients receive information about who created their scholarship, who it honors, and opportunities to share more about their St. Olaf experience. We invite recipients to share more about themselves by participating in surveys, videos, stories, reports, and events.
- Annually, in the fall following the award year, we report to donors who established endowed scholarships on the financial performance of their funds. We also share the names, class, and majors of those who received scholarships and any survey information the student completed. We do not require students to complete surveys as a condition of their award.
- Student contact information is confidential. Access is restricted by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and cannot be shared without a student’s permission.
Please contact our Donor Relations office. We work with Financial Aid and students to execute scholarship agreements. We are happy to answer any questions you might have!
Scholarship recipients that are first generation students
Growth in funded aid in last 10 years
Oles that receive need-based aid
Scholarship aid funded in 2024-25