NEW: Class-Year Permit Allocations
In years past, parking permits have been first come, first served — regardless of class year. While we are keeping the first come, first served structure, we will be allocating percentages of the overall student parking spots on campus based on the Registrar’s classification data from the fall 2025 semester. Classification is based on the number of St. Olaf total credits earned/completed.
Here is a breakdown of the percentages of overall student parking spots that will be distributed to each class year for the 2026–27 academic year:
- Senior: 40%
- Junior: 30%
- Sophomore: 20%
- First-Year: 10% (first-years must have a home address 250 miles or more from the college to be eligible for a permit)
*Disability parking accommodation permits are not counted in these percentages and will be assigned via the permitting process through that office. Students seeking a disability parking accommodation must apply for a campus parking permit AND work with Disability & Access to request a parking accommodation.
Hourly Parking
Paid hourly parking is available in a select number of lots on campus. This solution provides a convenient and affordable parking option for students, staff, faculty, or visitors who seek short-term parking in specific parking lots. Click HERE to see all of the lots where hourly parking is available. Click HERE to complete payment for an hourly parking spot.
- Spots are priced at $2.00/hour with a four-hour limit per day (within a 12:00 am – 11:59 pm window).
- Convenient contactless payment options include text-to-pay, via app, or online. The payment link can be found HERE.
- Hourly parking is available for all community parking users (regardless of whether they have a current parking permit).
- Hourly parking purchases are final. No refunds will be issued.
Student Parking Permit Process
Submission of an application does not mean that your permit request has been approved. There is no guarantee that submitting a parking permit application will result in a parking permit being issued due to limited availability. Permit applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within class-year standing. Distance from campus, or any other factors, are not considered.
The student parking permit application process is as follows:
- Complete the parking permit application.
- Application status (application approval or waitlist notification) from the Parking Office will be communicated via email.
- If approved, you will receive an email including a link to pay for your permit. Complete payment and secure your parking permit by an established deadline.
Application approval does not guarantee a permit until payment is received. Payment must be completed by the deadline provided in the approval email to secure your permit. Failure to complete payment will result in a forfeiture of your permit. No exceptions will be granted.
- Please do not use spaces or dashes (-) when entering your license plate number.
- Incorrect: 123 ABC ; 123-ABC
- Correct: 123ABC
- If you do not have your vehicle information, you may still apply. Email parking@stolaf.edu when you receive your new vehicle information and we will update your vehicle information in the system.
By submitting the permit application, the applicant is acknowledging that they have read, understand, and agree to the St. Olaf Parking Policy.
All permit purchases are final and non-refundable, no exceptions.
Summer 2026 & Academic Year 2026-27 Permit Pricing
| Permit Type | Semester 1 (J-Term included) | Semester 2 (J-Term included) | Full Academic Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Student Permit (living on campus) | $175 | $175 | $300 |
| Off-Campus Living Permit (living off-campus) | $175 | $175 | $300 |
| Motorcycle/Scooter | – | – | $90 |
| Summer | – | – | $40 |