Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, Minnesota
About This Campus
Gustavus Adolphus College is a private, coed, liberal arts college founded under the Swedish Lutheran traditions of social justice, equality, community engagement, reciprocity in service, and an open-minded view of all that the liberal arts have to offer. The college enrolls about 2200 students. Exchange students may study at Gustavus for the full academic year, one semester only, or one semester plus the May Term. Student life is very active, with many clubs, events, and sports opportunities. The Community Engagement Center offers numerous programs to get involved locally. Signature annual events include: Nobel Conference (science and ethics), Christmas in Christ Chapel (music and performance arts), Building Bridges Conference, Mayday Conference, and the Out of Scandinavia Artist-in-Residence program. Gustavus is a welcoming and affirming community that prides itself on excellence.
Helpful Information
Unique Academic Programs
Theater Arts/Drama - Department of Theatre and Dance offers a minor in Theatre for Social Justice, with an applied focus on using the theatre to engage communities around the important issues of our time.
Communication Studies- Offers both Strategic Communication and Civic Leadership. Faculty and students employ the "Gustavus model" of structured dialogues to help regional communities, organizations, and civic groups address real-world concerns.
Music - Our Music program includes both academic courses and performance ensembles. Many of the ensembles tour, both in the US and internationally.
Latin American Studies - Called Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies and includes comparative study of the diverse places and peoples that the name implies.
Japanese Studies - an interdisciplinary program that offers students opportunities to become familiar with various aspects of Japanese culture: language, literature, history, politics, art, and religion.
Location Information
Gustavus is located in St. Peter, Minnesota, a town of 11,000 situated 60 miles southwest of Minneapolis, in the Minnesota River Valley along a designated scenic byway. In spite of its small size, St. Peter boasts many amenities that few people would expect in such a small town. Major annual events include: Rock Bend Folk Festival (Sept), Oktoberfest, Halloween Fun Run, Winterfest, documentary film series, and Forgotten History lecture series.
Academics
REGISTRATION:
- Course Catalog
- Schedule of Classes
- Majors and Minors Website
- Registration Timing: According to Class Standing
TERM DATES:
Fall Start Date: 09/01/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/18/2026
Spring Start Date: 01/11/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/07/2027
NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
- Environmental Studies — Environmental Studies - Our interdisciplinary program uses courses in science, social science, humanities, and other fields. Paired with hands-on learning opportunities in The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College, the Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation, and the student-run Big Hill Farm.
- Scandinavian Studies — Scandinavian Studies - One of the largest programs in North America, and the largest number of students studying Swedish language.
UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
- Communication Studies — Communication - Our Communication Studies department offers minors in both Strategic Communication and Civic Leadership. Faculty and students employ the "Gustavus model" of structured dialogues to help regional communities, organizations, and civic groups address real-world concerns.
- Japanese Studies — Japanese Studies - Our Japanese Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that offers students opportunities to become familiar with various aspects of Japanese culture: language, literature, history, politics, art, and religion. Students majoring in Japanese Studies are required to study in Japan for at least one semester.
- Latin American Studies — Latin American Studies - Our program is called Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies and includes comparative study of the diverse places and peoples that the name implies.
- Music Program — Music - Our Music program includes both academic courses and performance ensembles. Many of the ensembles tour, both in the US and internationally. Year-long exchange students may audition to join an ensemble and possibly go on tour or participate in Christmas in Christ Chapel.
- Theater Arts/Drama — Theater Arts/Drama - Our Department of Theatre and Dance offers a minor in Theatre for Social Justice, with an applied focus on using the theatre to engage communities around the important issues of our time.
OPTIONS:
Honors Access: Yes
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
- Accounting
- Accounting and Business/Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Anthropology
- Art
- Art History
- Athletic Training
- Biochemistry
- Biology/Life Science
- Business
- Business Management
- Chemistry
- Classical Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Economics
- Elementary Education
- English
- Finance/Banking
- French
- Geography
- Geology
- Greek
- Health Education
- History
- Junior High/Middle School Education
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Music Education
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts/Drama/Acting
Conditions
GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
- General Eligibility Requirements
- No students accepted from within my own state, province, or territory
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
- Full Year Exchange: Accepted
- Single Term Exchange: Accepted
- Summer Exchange: Not Available
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
- Receive from Canada: Will Accept Home Pay
- Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?Home
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
- Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes
- Accept Canadian students on J1 visa or F1 visa? - F1 Visa
Tuition/Finance
TUITION:
- Campus Budget
- Fees are subject to change without notice
- Home Tuition Payment: Available
-
Away Tuition Payment: Not Available
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
- Home Payment: 18
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Canadian students may incur additional fees relating to their student visa and services provided by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.
Room/Meals
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
- Is on-campus housing available? Yes
- Is on-campus living required? Yes
- Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
- Average Room Cost (per term): $4000
- On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:
Gustavus is a residential campus with many on-campus housing options available. The Residential Life team work closely with students to ensure individual accommodations and needs are met.
MEAL PLANS:
- Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
- Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
- Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $5400
- Campus Meal Plans
Chance of Acceptance
Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27
If this is your top choice campus...
Home Tuition Payment Plan
This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!
Away Tuition Payment Plan
This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.
If this is your alternate choice campus...
Home Tuition Payment Plan
This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!
Away Tuition Payment Plan
This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.