Located in southeastern Minnesota, St. Olaf was founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants whose legacy is still evident in the school's Lutheran affiliation and renowned Nordic studies program.
These days, St. Olaf is known for its world-class music department. The academics are top-notch, too, with a general education core that every student must complete. More than 9 in 10 participate in an internship, research project or community service role. The practical experience pays off: The college says 95% of the Class of 2025 were employed, in graduate school or doing full-time service work within seven months of graduation.
It might get cold — OK, very cold — in the winter, but St. Olaf students find plenty of ways to keep busy indoors. There are more than 200 clubs focused on hobbies including ballroom dancing, curling, knitting and calligraphy, as well as performing arts groups and service organizations. Social life takes place on campus, in Northfield (the town Oles share with students from rival Carleton College) and in nearby Minneapolis.
Olaf is also one of the most forward-thinking colleges in the country when it comes to environmental sustainability: A wind turbine provides much of the school's electricity, and students run an organic farm that provides produce and flowers to locals.
