Admission
Possibility
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
At Gustavus Adolphus College, we believe whatever you dream, you can be.
Open your mind to explore possibilities. Experience new ways of learning and connecting yourself with the world. Be inspired by those around you through collaborative learning in and out of the classroom. Innovate, use your voice, share your ideas, chase down your passions, and find your purpose.
Gusties do extraordinary things. You could be next.

- No1 among Minnesota private colleges for doing the most for low-income students —(New York Times)
- No2 among Minnesota private colleges for graduating students of color —(Minnesota Private College Council)
- No3 among Minnesota private colleges, with focus on student experience and outcomes —(Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education)
Visit
See for yourself
Come to campus and see all the reasons why Gustavus just might be the best college for you. Your visit can be customized by adding appointments with professors, coaches, and conductors, and even the chance to sit in on a class. This experience is also offered virtually if you prefer. Check us out. We love to answer the question, “Why Gustavus?”


Minnesota Private Colleges Week
Welcome to Gustavus! These introductory campus tours and informational meetings can serve as a first step to help you discover just what you're looking for in a college - especially if you are early in your search. Sessions are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. REGISTER FOR…
Learn more about this event
Can't make it? Checkout our other upcoming opportunities.
Other Visit opportunities
Apply
Start the Process
Gustavus has a holistic approach to admission, which means we evaluate all the information in your application — not just "the numbers." That's much fairer to you and a much better way for us to bring talented students together. As you apply, emphasize your academic preparation for college, give details about your involvement, offer explanations for any challenges, and help us understand what makes you distinctive.

“The Gustavus community has shaped my personal growth, my faith, and my passion for empowering women and empowering others.”
ReAnn Eihdal ’20, immigrated to the U.S. from China at age 9, former vice president of Gustavus Women in Leadership, currently internal sales consultant at Allianz Life
Financial Aid
Access & Affordability
Gustavus awards over $50 million in institutional grant and scholarship assistance annually, and more than 70 percent of Gustavus students receive need-based financial aid. Grants include academic and talent-based scholarships.
Enrolling at Gustavus means figuring out how to pay for college. Whatever your financial circumstances, we’ll help you through the process and show you how affordable we are. You’re worth the investment. We are, too.
NYT
33rd OVERALL FOR Top Colleges Doing the Most for Low-Income Students
Money Magazine Ranks Us In The Top 30 Of
- Most AFFORDABLE Private Colleges
- BEST Colleges for Merit Aid
- Best Colleges that add the MOST VALUE
Class Profile
Meet your peers.
We've got tenors who tackle, violinists who volunteer, researchers writing poetry, and those who rock climb and rock drum solos. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that you and your classmates will be engaged, well-rounded, and passionate about getting involved.
Over the last five years, Gustavus students have shined brighter than ever. Whether you thrive in the classroom, on the field, or in the recital hall, there's a place for you on the hill.
Get to know your fellow Gusties









Next Steps
Become a Gustie.
At Gustavus, we believe that your vocation and your life go hand in hand. We want you to be amazed at yourself, your accomplishments, and the world around you every day. We want you to think beyond yourself and succeed in ways that can't be defined by just a paycheck. We want to help you on your journey to becoming a better person, a whole person, a lifelong learner, a Gustie.
Let's make it happen, together.
Connect
Here to help.
We believe that the admission process shouldn’t be a hassle, it should be a conversation. Tell us about you – your strengths, your passions, your interests, your background. We’ll tell you all about us. Whether you’re a first-year, transfer, or international student, we’ll answer all your questions about the college application process.