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

BM with Elective Studies

General

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

Individualized degree integrating professional music study with a second field

Student-designed program of study with a culminating synthesis project

Performance studies, ensembles, and recitals alongside the elective area

Professional Development

Prepares musicians for careers bridging music with an additional area of expertise

Principal instrument/voice lessons included via lesson scholarship

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 6d ago

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

Individualized degree integrating professional music study with a second field

Student-designed program of study with a culminating synthesis project

Performance studies, ensembles, and recitals alongside the elective area

Professional Development

Prepares musicians for careers bridging music with an additional area of expertise

Principal instrument/voice lessons included via lesson scholarship

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

Individualized degree integrating professional music study with a second field

Student-designed program of study with a culminating synthesis project

Performance studies, ensembles, and recitals alongside the elective area

Professional Development

Prepares musicians for careers bridging music with an additional area of expertise

Principal instrument/voice lessons included via lesson scholarship

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

Music Entrance Continuance · wp.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

Portfolio / Creative Sample

Portfolio explanation of the intended integration between music and the elective area of study

Portfolio list of proposed elective courses and other learning experiences

Portfolio draft proposal for the synthesis project

Resume

Music resumé required — upload with the online music application

Letters of Recommendation

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

Music Entrance Continuance · wp.stolaf.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Audition on your principal instrument/voice and complete the online music application alongside the Common App to begin music study

Enter the Elective Studies degree after enrollment through a competitive proposal process (deadlines October 15 and March 15)

Placement

Music theory and keyboard skills screenings are for course placement only — they do not affect admission

What's The Process

Entrance (Post-Enrollment)

Open to already-enrolled music majors (BA or BM); may apply as early as spring of the first year

Submit a proposal portfolio (integration plan, proposed courses, draft synthesis project)

Performance audition, academic review, and interview

Application packets available in the Music Office (deadlines October 15 and March 15)

Continuance

Reviewed for continuance by the end of the third semester in the program (no later than spring of junior year)

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

Individualized degree integrating professional music study with a second field

Student-designed program of study with a culminating synthesis project

Performance studies, ensembles, and recitals alongside the elective area

Professional Development

Prepares musicians for careers bridging music with an additional area of expertise

Principal instrument/voice lessons included via lesson scholarship

Updated 6d ago