St. Olaf Acceptance Rate

St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, is a selective liberal arts institution known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus community. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), St. Olaf reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 56.0%, reflecting a competitive admissions process. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with more students seeking the college’s strong programs in music, sciences, and humanities, as well as its commitment to global engagement. While St. Olaf publishes some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns for specific categories like early action or international students are not always publicly available. This transparency helps prospective students gauge their chances, though some data requires estimation based on historical trends.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 56.0% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 5,500 applicants and around 3,080 admitted students, consistent with recent years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 60.0%, due to demonstrated interest.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Given St. Olaf’s emphasis on global perspectives, the rate is estimated at 50.0%, reflecting a competitive but inclusive process for international applicants.

Over the past few years, St. Olaf College’s acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering between 50% and 60%, indicating sustained competitiveness. The college’s early action program likely boosts admission chances for committed applicants, while international admissions remain selective due to limited spots and high demand. Compared to peer liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, such as Carleton College (with a lower acceptance rate of around 17%), St. Olaf offers a moderately selective admissions process, balancing accessibility with academic rigor. Prospective students are encouraged to review the latest statistics on the St. Olaf Admissions website or refer to the Common Data Set for deeper insights into admission trends and criteria.