About St. Olaf College
St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian-American immigrants, is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, United States. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the college emphasizes a holistic education that integrates rigorous academics with faith, global perspectives, and community engagement. With approximately 3,000 students, St. Olaf is renowned for its strong programs in music, natural sciences, mathematics, and the humanities. The campus spans 300 acres of rolling hills and features historic buildings alongside modern facilities, fostering an environment conducive to intellectual growth and artistic expression.
Key achievements include its nationally acclaimed music ensembles, such as the St. Olaf Choir, which has performed worldwide and earned Grammy nominations. The college ranks highly in liberal arts education, with alumni including Nobel laureates, Fulbright scholars, and leaders in various fields. St. Olaf's mission is to challenge students to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore vocation in a global society. For more details, visit the St. Olaf College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in Minnesota.
St. Olaf College has evolved from its roots as a academy for Norwegian immigrants to a diverse institution welcoming students from over 90 countries. Its academic calendar follows a 4-1-4 system, allowing for intensive January interim courses that often involve study abroad or research projects. The college boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Notable facilities include the Flaten Art Museum, the Science Complex, and the Regents Hall of Natural Sciences, which supports cutting-edge research in biology, chemistry, and environmental studies. St. Olaf is committed to sustainability, with initiatives like its wind turbine and gold-level STARS rating for environmental practices.
In terms of community impact, St. Olaf contributes significantly to Northfield's cultural scene through public concerts, lectures, and events. The college's emphasis on global education is evident in its study abroad programs, with over 70% of students participating. For academics interested in St. Olaf College academic opportunities, the institution offers a supportive environment for interdisciplinary work and professional development. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor to gain insights from students.
Faculty Job Opportunities at St. Olaf College
Faculty job opportunities at St. Olaf College are abundant for those seeking professor positions St. Olaf College in a vibrant liberal arts setting. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Biology, Lecturer in Music, Research Fellow in Environmental Studies, and tenure-track positions in Mathematics and English. According to recent trends from 2025 academic job reports, St. Olaf is expanding in STEM fields, with a focus on interdisciplinary programs like neuroscience and data science. The Music Department, one of the largest, frequently hires for roles in performance and theory, leveraging the college's renowned choral tradition.
Salary ranges for these positions, based on 2025 data from sources like the AAUP and Chronicle of Higher Education, typically start at $70,000-$80,000 for Assistant Professors, rising to $85,000-$95,000 for Associate Professors, and $100,000+ for Full Professors. Factors influencing pay include department, experience, and research output. For instance, faculty in the sciences may earn higher due to grant funding availability. St. Olaf emphasizes teaching excellence, with opportunities for sabbaticals and collaborative research. Explore higher education jobs St. Olaf College through Higher Ed Jobs filtered by St. Olaf College.
In the Humanities, roles like Lecturer in Philosophy or History are common, with an emphasis on global perspectives. The college's commitment to diversity has led to increased hiring in areas like Asian Studies and African American Studies. Job trends indicate a rise in remote and hybrid positions post-pandemic, though most roles require on-campus presence. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and professional development funds. For lecturer roles St. Olaf College, candidates with teaching experience in small-class settings are preferred. Research jobs St. Olaf College often involve undergraduate collaboration, enhancing resumes for tenure.
To apply, visit AcademicJobs.com for listings. St. Olaf's hiring process values candidates who align with its Lutheran heritage while promoting inclusivity. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance in Minnesota, these positions offer stability and growth. Check out faculty jobs St. Olaf College for current openings in key departments like Chemistry or Economics.
Assistant Professor in Biology 💼
Focus on ecology and environmental science, with salaries around $75,000.
Lecturer in Music 🎼
Roles in choral conducting, averaging $70,000 annually.
Research Fellow in Mathematics 📊
Interdisciplinary projects, with pay from $80,000.
Tenure-Track in English 📚
Literature focus, salaries up to $85,000.
Why Work at St. Olaf College
Working at St. Olaf College offers unparalleled appeal for academic careers St. Olaf College, with a supportive community that values teaching, research, and personal growth. The college's location in scenic Northfield provides a peaceful yet accessible environment, close to the Twin Cities for cultural and professional opportunities. Unique benefits include generous sabbatical policies, funding for conferences, and a commitment to work-life balance, as highlighted in 2025 faculty satisfaction surveys. Research opportunities abound in areas like sustainable agriculture and performing arts, with collaborations through the college's centers.
Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership roles. St. Olaf's emphasis on undergraduate research allows faculty to mentor students closely, enhancing publication records. Compared to larger universities, St. Olaf offers smaller class sizes and more direct impact on student success. Explore why through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at St. Olaf College
Salaries St. Olaf College academia are competitive for a liberal arts college, with 2025 data showing averages influenced by rank, department, and experience. Assistant Professors earn $70,000-$80,000, Associate Professors $85,000-$95,000, and Full Professors $100,000-$120,000. STEM departments like Biology and Chemistry often pay higher due to external grants, while humanities roles may start lower but offer stability. Location in Minnesota adds cost-of-living adjustments, with benefits like housing assistance. Factors include publication record and teaching evaluations. For comparisons, visit Professor Salaries.
Recent trends indicate a 3-5% annual increase, driven by inflation and retention efforts. Adjuncts earn $4,000-$6,000 per course. Comprehensive data from AAUP reports emphasize St. Olaf's equity in pay across genders and ethnicities. Explore salaries St. Olaf College academia for informed decisions.
Additional perks include retirement matching up to 10% and health benefits. Departments like Music may offer performance stipends. Compared to public universities in Minnesota, St. Olaf provides higher base pay for tenured faculty. Use this guide to negotiate offers effectively.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000-$80,000 | Biology |
| Associate Professor | $85,000-$95,000 | Music |
| Full Professor | $100,000-$120,000 | Mathematics |
| Lecturer | $60,000-$75,000 | English |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at St. Olaf College
Rate professors St. Olaf College using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com to discover top educators and make informed course choices. This platform helps recognize excellence in teaching tied to St. Olaf's programs like music and sciences.
Prof. Douglas Casson (Political Science) ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging lectures on ethics.
Prof. Mary Carlsen (Social Work) ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Known for practical insights in community service.
Prof. Carlo Moreno (Biology) ⭐
Rating: 4.9/5 - Excellent in environmental research guidance.
Prof. Anton Armstrong (Music) ⭐
Rating: 5.0/5 - Legendary choral director with inspiring methods.
Prof. Karen Wilson (English) ⭐
Rating: 4.6/5 - Fosters critical thinking in literature courses.
Prof. Jay Demas (Neuroscience) ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Innovative in interdisciplinary science teaching.
Career Progression at St. Olaf College
Career progression at St. Olaf College follows a structured path from Assistant to Full Professor, with tenure typically after 6-7 years. Salaries increase by rank: $75,000 for entry-level, up to $110,000 for seniors. Research funding through NSF grants supports advancement, especially in sciences. Professional development includes workshops and mentorship. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for more.
St. Olaf's strengths in liberal arts foster interdisciplinary careers, with opportunities for administrative roles.
Research and Innovation at St. Olaf College
Research trends at St. Olaf College focus on environmental sustainability, neuroscience, and cultural studies, with funding from NIH and NEH. Centers like the Institute for Freedom and Community promote innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with Carleton College enhance opportunities in Northfield.
Resources for St. Olaf College Academics
- Professional development funds for conferences 💼
- Faculty unions and benefits packages
- Sabbatical programs every seven years
- Access to Twin Cities research networks 📍
Student Life and Perspectives at St. Olaf College
Student life at St. Olaf College includes vibrant arts scenes and study abroad. Choose programs with help from Rate My Professor. Career outcomes lead to grad school or jobs in education and science.