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St Olaf College and Gustavus Adolphus College are both private nonprofit institutions — St Olaf College in Northfield, MN and Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Northfield, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 48.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,093
Tuition: $59,760/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.0%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Northfield, MN with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Saint Peter, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 61.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,878
Tuition: $56,076/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Saint Peter, MN with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | St Olaf College | Gustavus Adolphus College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 48.3% | 61.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1300–1470 |
| 1290 average |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 28–32 | 24–30 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,093 | 1,878 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $59,760/year | $56,076/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,874 | $22,900 |
| Graduation rate | 84.0% | 76.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $65,543 | $65,607 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Northfield, MN | Saint Peter, MN |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Physical sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology |
St Olaf College is more selective (48.3% vs 61.0% acceptance rate). Gustavus Adolphus College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($22,900 vs $23,874). St Olaf College reports the higher graduation rate (84.0% vs 76.6%). St Olaf College is the larger undergraduate campus (3,093 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between St Olaf College and Gustavus Adolphus College
St Olaf College has an acceptance rate of 48.3%; Gustavus Adolphus College is around 61.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
St Olaf College tuition is $59,760/year. Gustavus Adolphus College is $56,076/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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