Colorado College vs St Olaf College

Colorado College and St Olaf College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Colorado College stands out with its block plan, allowing students to focus on one course at a time, while St Olaf College emphasizes its strong music and Scandinavian studies programs. Acceptance rates vary, with Colorado College being slightly more selective. Colorado College's student body is more diverse, while St Olaf College has a higher graduation rate. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more differences, including popular majors, student demographics, and financial aid options, to determine which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Colorado College	St Olaf College
Overview
Location	Colorado Springs, Colorado	Northfield, Minnesota
Campus setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	96.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.3%	47.4%
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	1240 - 1430
ACT range	N/A	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score		16.0%
Students submitting ACT score		39.0%
Total number of applicants	10,975	6,494
Total number of admissions given out	1,564	3,080
Admitted students who chose to enroll	620	755
Yield rate	39.6%	24.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,562	$66,570
Average net price	$30,200	$27,729
Tuition	$61,596	$52,670
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,052 Meal plan: $5,616	Room/dormitory: $5,720 Meal plan: $6,280
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	57.0% Average amount $48,666	100.0% Average amount $37,281
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $5,010	49.0% Average amount $5,006
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $26,825	9.0% Average amount $15,087

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,241 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	2,988 Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students	25 Men 20.0% Women 80.0%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	6.6%	10.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,745	2,703
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Physical Science Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology Natural Resources and Conservation	Social Sciences Ethnic Studies Foreign Languages and Literatures Mathematics and Statistics Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	85.7%	85.0%
Dropout rate	2.2%	3.9%
Transferred out	11.5%	11.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,092 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $59,954 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,396 Year 2: $20,482 Year 3: $29,045 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,826 Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: $16,137 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,555 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: N/A Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,472 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: N/A Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,475 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $85,264 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,389 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $67,970 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,177 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $61,505 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,461 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: $48,934 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,797 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $47,009 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,149 Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $45,715 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,228 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $44,563 Sociology and Anthropology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,528 Year 2: $31,708 Year 3: $42,811 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,398 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $41,551 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,226 Year 2: $23,166 Year 3: $38,521

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Colorado College is known for its unique Block Plan, where students take one course at a time for 3.5 weeks. This allows for deep immersion in a subject. St. Olaf College follows a more traditional semester system, offering a wider variety of courses simultaneously. St. Olaf also has a strong emphasis on music and the arts, while Colorado College offers a broader liberal arts experience with a focus on experiential learning and outdoor opportunities.
How does the campus environment differ between Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, providing easy access to the Rocky Mountains and outdoor recreation. The campus has a more rugged and adventurous feel. St. Olaf College is situated in Northfield, Minnesota, a more traditional college town setting. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and strong sense of community, particularly within its music and arts programs.
What are the strengths of the faculty at Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Both colleges boast highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Colorado College faculty are known for their accessibility and commitment to the Block Plan, allowing for close student-faculty interaction. St. Olaf College faculty are recognized for their expertise in their respective fields, particularly in music, and their dedication to undergraduate teaching and research.
How do the student bodies compare at Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Colorado College attracts a diverse student body with a strong interest in outdoor activities, social justice, and global issues. St. Olaf College has a slightly more homogenous student body, with a strong emphasis on faith-based values and a significant representation of students involved in music and the arts. Both colleges foster a close-knit community environment.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Both colleges offer robust career services. Colorado College's location in Colorado Springs provides access to various internship opportunities, particularly in the environmental and outdoor industries. St. Olaf College leverages its strong alumni network and location in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area to provide internship and career opportunities in a variety of fields, including the arts, healthcare, and business.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable at both Colorado College and St. Olaf College. However, financial aid packages can vary depending on individual circumstances. Prospective students should explore the financial aid options available at each institution to determine the net cost.
What are the extracurricular activities and campus life like at Colorado College and St. Olaf College?

Colorado College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, student government, and social justice initiatives. St. Olaf College has a vibrant campus life centered around music, arts, and faith-based organizations. Both colleges offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic programs to cater to diverse interests.
Which college is better for students interested in outdoor activities?

Colorado College is the clear choice for students passionate about outdoor activities. Its location near the Rocky Mountains provides unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. While St. Olaf College offers some outdoor opportunities, it does not have the same level of access to wilderness areas.
Which college is better for students interested in music and the arts?

St. Olaf College is renowned for its exceptional music program and strong arts community. It offers extensive opportunities for students to participate in ensembles, performances, and creative endeavors. While Colorado College also has arts programs, St. Olaf's focus is significantly greater.
How do the alumni networks of Colorado College and St. Olaf College compare?

Both colleges have active and supportive alumni networks. St. Olaf College's alumni network is particularly strong, with a reputation for being highly engaged and supportive of current students and graduates. Colorado College's alumni network is also well-connected, especially in fields related to environmental studies, outdoor recreation, and social justice.

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