St. Olaf College: what international applicants need

What are St. Olaf College's application deadlines for 2026–27?

St. Olaf College has 4 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 1, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is St. Olaf College's acceptance rate?

48.3% for students who started in fall 2024: St. Olaf College admitted 3,200 of its 6,623 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does St. Olaf College require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. St. Olaf College is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for St. Olaf College?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 640–730 in Math and 660–740 in Reading and Writing (11% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 28–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is St. Olaf College's application fee for international students?

St. Olaf College charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.

Which English tests does St. Olaf College accept?

St. Olaf College lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does St. Olaf College accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests St. Olaf College accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does St. Olaf College require?

St. Olaf College requires one teacher recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does St. Olaf College require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. St. Olaf College requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does St. Olaf College have?

330 of St. Olaf College's 3,124 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 10.6%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does St. Olaf College cost for international students?

St. Olaf College's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $59,760, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $13,630. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $75,290 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does St. Olaf College give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, St. Olaf College gave institutional scholarships or grants to 328 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25