Private school3.1K

St. Olaf College

Northfield, MN

Faith-BasedTest-OptionalLGBTQ+

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Music education

Quick links

BA Music for Social Impact

Music for Social Impact

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewInternal PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Home of the internationally renowned St. Olaf Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong

Annual Christmas Festival nationally broadcast on PBS

Training

Community-engaged BA major balancing performance, music theory, musicology, and civic engagement

Welcomes musicians from diverse traditions and backgrounds

Local and global musicking with hands-on community partnership work

Professional Development

Prepares musicians to build community and effect change through music

Service-learning and academic civic engagement at the core of the degree

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.73

Admit rate

48%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

3.1K

Earnings

$66K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$66,200

Before aid

Average net price

$23,874

After aid

Compfee 2 · wp.stolaf.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 10:53 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Home of the internationally renowned St. Olaf Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong

Annual Christmas Festival nationally broadcast on PBS

Training

Community-engaged BA major balancing performance, music theory, musicology, and civic engagement

Welcomes musicians from diverse traditions and backgrounds

Local and global musicking with hands-on community partnership work

Professional Development

Prepares musicians to build community and effect change through music

Service-learning and academic civic engagement at the core of the degree

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Home of the internationally renowned St. Olaf Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong

Annual Christmas Festival nationally broadcast on PBS

Training

Community-engaged BA major balancing performance, music theory, musicology, and civic engagement

Welcomes musicians from diverse traditions and backgrounds

Local and global musicking with hands-on community partnership work

Professional Development

Prepares musicians to build community and effect change through music

Service-learning and academic civic engagement at the core of the degree

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website Coalition App

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Decision IIRegular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Faqs · wp.stolaf.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Apply

School Website

Musicsocialimpact · catalog.stolaf.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition, Interview, and Portfolio Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

No audition, interview, and portfolio is required for the initial application. This is an internal program gate students complete after enrolling at the university.Gateway source

Creative Sample

A brief statement of purpose

Evidence of musicianship — a live audition or a submitted recording, video, or score

Resume

Music resumé required — upload with the online music application

Letters of Recommendation

Teacher recommendation required — complete the Music Recommendation Request for your teacher

Musicsocialimpact · catalog.stolaf.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Enroll at St. Olaf and complete the online music application alongside the Common App

Apply for entrance to the major in the spring of your first year (current students contact the Music Department by March 1)

Students may not double major in Music for Social Impact (BA) and any other music major (BA or BM)

Placement

The music theory evaluation and keyboard/guitar skills screening are for course placement

What's The Process

Entrance (Post-Enrollment)

Apply for entrance to the major in the spring of your first year at St. Olaf

Apply by application and interview

Perform a live audition or submit a recording, video, or score to demonstrate musicianship

Music theory evaluation and keyboard/guitar skills screening

Diverse musical traditions welcomed — no European classical instrument or notation-based audition required

Contact

Music Admissions: 507-786-3297, music@stolaf.edu

Scholarship Info

Music Scholarships

Merit-based awards ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 per year (Christiansen, Cassler, and Recognition Scholarships)

Emerging Musician Scholarships: $5,000 per year

Open to students of any major; all music major applicants automatically considered based on audition

All BM students receive a lesson scholarship (private lesson fee waived for primary instrument/voice)

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.73

Admit rate

48%

school-wide

Grad rate

84%

Enrollment

3.1K

Earnings

$66K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$66,200

Before aid

Average net price

$23,874

After aid

Compfee 2 · wp.stolaf.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music)

Home of the internationally renowned St. Olaf Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong

Annual Christmas Festival nationally broadcast on PBS

Training

Community-engaged BA major balancing performance, music theory, musicology, and civic engagement

Welcomes musicians from diverse traditions and backgrounds

Local and global musicking with hands-on community partnership work

Professional Development

Prepares musicians to build community and effect change through music

Service-learning and academic civic engagement at the core of the degree

Updated Sep 3, 10:53 PM