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.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
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
1,810 undergrad • 1,120 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
74%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
12%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Duluth, MN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
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
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
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
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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
Duluth, MN 55811-4199
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