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The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN

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Acceptance Rate

93%

Avg. SAT

1251

75th percentile

“A nurturing haven in Duluth where Benedictine values shape a tight-knit community focused on health sciences and service.”

Duluth, MN

Location

Small City

Campus Setting

Nestled on a scenic hillside overlooking Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, The College of Saint Scholastica carries a legacy rooted in Benedictine traditions. Founded in 1912 by a group of Benedictine Sisters, the college emerged from a mission to educate and serve, originally focusing on preparing teachers and nurses. Today, it stands as a private, Catholic institution with a warm, community-driven spirit, where hospitality, respect, and stewardship aren't just ideals but lived experiences that shape campus life. If you're a student who craves close connections with peers and professors, and values a sense of purpose in your education, you'll feel right at home here.

The surrounding city of Duluth offers a rugged, natural beauty with its lakeside trails, historic port, and vibrant arts scene, but it also comes with challenges. Winters are long and harsh, with heavy snowfall and biting cold that can test your resilience if you're not used to northern climates. The small-town feel of both the campus and city might not suit everyone—those seeking the bustle of a big urban center or a sprawling, lively campus might find Saint Scholastica a bit quiet. Still, for students who appreciate a serene setting and a slower pace, Duluth's charm and the college's supportive environment create a unique backdrop for personal growth.

Saint Scholastica attracts students who are often drawn to helping professions or who seek a values-based education. Think of yourself thriving here if you're motivated by service, eager to build lasting relationships, and comfortable in a smaller, more intimate academic space. On the flip side, if you prefer a highly competitive or research-heavy atmosphere, or if you’re looking for a diverse array of social scenes, you might feel the college's focused mission and modest size limit your options.

Photo Gallery

The College of St. Scholastica (@stscholastica) • Instagram photos and  videos
main administration building
iconic campus entrance gate or sign
central quad or green space
historic or signature academic building

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Duluth Main Campus | The College of St. Scholastica
Explore Campus Locations | The College of St. Scholastica
Healthcare Programs at The College of St. Scholastica
Healthcare Programs at The College of St. Scholastica
College of St. Scholastica Science Building Addition
Facilities & Parking | The College of St. Scholastica
The College of St. Scholastica | July has entered the chat. 💙 | Instagram
The College of St. Scholastica | It's National Transfer Student Week — send  this post to a friend who should apply to CSS as a transfer student to  experience views like this. | Instagram

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Admissions

Acceptance Rate

93%

Test Policy

Optional

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Average GPA

3.61

Application Fee

Academic Fit

Mid-50%: 1021-1251

GPA

Sat Reading

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Academics

Student-Faculty Ratio

12:1

Programs Offered

6

Full-Time Faculty

151

Women Faculty

71%

Research Spending

$33Mper year

Degree Levels Offered

Certificate
Bachelor's
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's
Post-master's certificate
Doctorate

Saint Scholastica shines brightest in its health sciences programs, particularly nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, where it has built a strong reputation for preparing students for impactful careers. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, so you can expect clinical experiences, internships, and simulations that ground your studies in real-world application, especially if you're in a health-related field. Beyond health sciences, the liberal arts curriculum encourages critical thinking and ethical reflection, with notable offerings in social work, education, and business, all infused with the Benedictine focus on community and service.

Class sizes tend to be small, fostering a personal learning environment where professors often know your name and are accessible for guidance. However, the college's smaller scale means that some specialized programs or research opportunities might be limited compared to larger universities, so if you're set on cutting-edge labs or niche majors, you might need to look elsewhere. For students passionate about making a difference through direct, practical education, though, Saint Scholastica provides a focused and supportive academic journey.

Student Body

Total Enrollment

2,930

1,810 undergrad • 1,120 grad

Undergraduate

1,810

Graduate

1,120

International

4%
  • White

    74%

  • Black / African American

    4%

  • Hispanic / Latino

    5%

  • Asian

    5%

  • Other / Multi-racial

    12%

Campus Life

Campus Setting

Small City

Duluth, MN

Varsity Athletics

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

NCAA Athletics

Division III

Campus life at Saint Scholastica feels like a close-knit family, where students often form tight bonds through shared values and collaborative activities. You’ll find a calendar packed with events like the annual Blessing of the Brains—a quirky tradition where students seek good luck before finals—and community service initiatives that reflect the college’s mission. The social scene leans toward low-key, with gatherings in residence halls, small group outings, and campus ministry events, rather than a booming party culture, so if you’re looking for high-energy nightlife, you might need to venture into Duluth or beyond.

Living on campus, you’ll experience a strong sense of belonging, but the harsh Minnesota winters can make getting around a challenge, often keeping social life indoors for months. Housing is generally available for undergraduates who want it, though options can feel limited in style or variety compared to bigger schools. The surrounding natural beauty of Lake Superior and nearby trails offers a stunning escape for outdoor enthusiasts, balancing out the quieter campus vibe with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring.

Housing

On-Campus Housing

Yes

Housing Capacity

795beds

Meal Plan Available

No

Average Room & Board

$11,830per year

Athletics

Athletic Association

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

ROTC & Veteran Support

Army

No

Navy

No

Air Force

Yes

Veteran’s Programs Available

Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)

Yes

Credit for military training

Yes

Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services

Yes

Recognized student veteran organization

Yes

Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU

Yes

Cost & Aid

In-State Tuition

$38,750per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$38,750per year

Room & Board

$11,830per year

Estimated Cost

$57,674per year

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid

93%

Receiving Pell Grants

27%

Average Grant

$28,555

Average Federal Loan

$10,267

Net Annual Cost by Household Income

Household Income

Avg. Net Cost

$0 – $30K

$21,378

$30K – $48K

$18,537

$48K – $75K

$21,475

$75K – $110K

$25,910

$110K+

$28,095

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Outcomes & Earnings

Retention Rate

82%

4 Years Graduation Rate

70%

6 Years Graduation Rate

74%

Median 10-Year Earnings

$65,934

82% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at The College of Saint Scholastica and return in the fall. 70% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 74% graduate within 6 years.

Graduation Rate

4-year grads

70%

4-5 years

4%

6-8 years

1%

Non-grad

25%

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Key Statistics

Type

Private

Tuition

$38,750

Acceptance

93%

Undergrads

1,810

4-Year Grad Rate

70%

Endowment

$45M

css.edu

Duluth, MN 55811-4199

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