School CounselorsAdmission Resources

Welcome! You play an important role in a student’s college search. At Gustavus, we want to connect with you as you help students navigate their college search. We hope this website provides you with the resources you need to help students in the application, financial aid, and decision making process.

 

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Application Information

Guiding a student through the application process is the best way for the student to demonstrate interest in Gustavus. We consider everything on the application, not just the numbers. This is holistic admission. Here are a few reasons how we make the application process simple for you and your students.

5 Reasons Your Students Should Apply to Gustavus

  1. Free. Applying to Gustavus is always free! No promo codes needed.

  2. Test-Optional. You’re way more than a test score! For over 15 years, we’ve let students decide whether or not they want to submit their standardized test scores as part of their application.

  3. Automatic Academic Scholarship Consideration. As soon as you apply, you’re automatically considered for up to $40,000 per year in scholarships! No extra applications needed.

  4. Quick Decision. Beginning September 1, within two weeks of completing your application, we’ll give you an admission decision and any eligible academic scholarships.

  5. One Stop Shop. Our Applicant Portal is the place for viewing your admission decision and scholarships, updating materials, and scheduling a visit.

Students can apply using the Gustavus Select Application or the Common Application. All fine arts scholarship applications are available on the Applicant Portal.

Application timeline for current seniors applying for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • Aug 1, 2023Application Opens
  • Sept 1, 2023Early Action application review begins
  • Nov 1, 2023Early Action completed applications due
  • Dec 1, 2023Rolling Admission application review begins
  • Dec 8, 2023Early Action: Fine Arts Scholarship applications due
  • Dec 31, 2023FAFSA opens
  • February 2024First financial aid awards will be released.
  • Feb 8, 2024Rolling Admission Fine Arts Scholarships due

Scholarships & Financial Aid

A premier private education at an affordable price

Numerous scholarships, grants, and loans are available to support students from diverse backgrounds. Merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence, talent-based scholarships recognize outstanding artists, and plenty of need-based grants are available.

  • All students are considered for merit-based scholarships upon application. Merit-based scholarships range from $25,000 - $36,500 and are renewable for four years.
  • Through the Gustie Guarantee, all students who file the FAFSA receive a minimum $100,000 in scholarships over four years.
  • Gustavus also offers scholarships for students who plan to continue participating in Music, Theatre and Dance, and Art in college. These scholarships are available to all students, regardless of their intended major.
 
 
 
#1  among Minnesota private colleges for doing the most for low-income students (New York Times)

The Gustie Guarantee

A Gustavus education is both an exceptional academic experience and a pathway to a successful, fulfilling future. The Gustie Guarantee makes it affordable and accessible.

  • Get a minimum of $100,000 in scholarships.
  • Get free first-year tuition – and continuing tuition support every year
  • Get a Signature Experience that seamlessly connects your coursework with real-world applications through practical, cultural, and experiential learning.
  • Get a degree in four years or Gustavus will cover tuition for a ninth semester.

Who Are Gusties?

Gusties are strong students who come from a variety of different backgrounds. They bring unique and diverse perspectives to campus. Get to know our students.

43  States represented
3.7  Average GPA
28  ACT Composite Average Score
35  countries represented

Class of 2026

Gustavus faculty, staff, and fellow students welcomed one of the most academically talented classes of students in the history of the college.

27%  First-year students in top 10% of their class
58%  First-year students in top 25% of their class
18%  first-year students of color

Come See for Yourself

Gustavus welcomes group visits from local high schools and community based organizations. Group visits include an admission presentation and campus tour. Lunch is available a la carte in our cafeteria. View a sample schedule and sign up today!

Looking for something else? Explore our other visit options.

Looking for resources in Spanish?