Tuition and Aid

Learn more about the costs.

• The cost to attend Gustavus
• The Gustie Guarantee
• Use the net price calculator to get an idea of your actual costs to attend

We hear this question a lot, and we have answers!

A college education isn't just a mere academic milestone. It stands tall as a gateway to infinite possibilities — a treasure chest packed with immeasurable opportunities, doorways to personal growth, and keys to unlocking personal and professional success.

However, the rising costs associated with pursuing higher education leave many students worried about paying for college. Despite financial challenges, it is indeed possible to make college affordable, and the investment is undeniably worthwhile. You can afford to attend Gustavus.

Most people don’t even consider private colleges like Gustavus because they don’t think they can afford it, but nothing could be further from the truth. That’s why understanding the financial aid process is crucial in making college accessible.

At Gustavus, we offer generous financial aid packages and flexible payment options, putting college within reach for a wider range of students. 70% of Gustavus students receive need-based financial assistance. In fact, we’re ranked #1 among Minnesota private colleges for doing the most for low-income students.

We recognize that the financial aspect of pursuing a college degree can be daunting, but the long-term benefits of the initial investment are priceless.

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
• Student Employment
• Military Benefits
• Tuition Exchange
• Payment Plans

Here are a few steps that you must complete to receive financial aid and enroll at Gustavus:

1. Apply for admission. The application process opens August 1, and you’ll complete either the Gustavus Select Application or the Common App. Whichever you choose, we consider them both equally.
2. If you haven’t done so already, file the FAFSA (or, for those who aren’t eligible for the FAFSA, fill out your CSS profile). The applications open October 1, and the sooner you get your information in, the better. Make sure to mark Gustavus as a college you’d like your info sent to.
3. Once we receive your FAFSA information and scholarship applications, we’ll begin to create a financial aid package for you. If everything looks good, submit your deposit. Congratulations! You’re officially a Gustie!

Important Information about your Financial Aid Offer

Your financial aid offer is calculated based on the information you provided and the cost of full-time enrollment, living in a standard residential hall room, and using food plan Option 1.

Gustavus reserves the right to review, adjust, or cancel the offer of financial aid based on changes in your financial status, enrollment status, academic status, or the availability of adequate funding from state, federal, or other sources. Additional fees may be applied to your account that are not reflected in the total cost.

Financial aid offers are valid only for the student’s enrollment in the current academic year. If the student does not accept this offer but chooses to enroll in any subsequent academic years, the terms and conditions of the offer shall be void, and the student will not be entitled to the same benefits or terms. Any future offers or enrollment benefits will be subject to the prevailing policies, terms, and conditions at that time.

Gustavus Adolphus College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

First-Year Free Tuition Program

If a First-Year Free Tuition Grant is listed on your financial aid offer, you have qualified for our First-Year Free Tuition Program. This grant covers remaining tuition costs after all other grants and scholarships have been applied. Learn more about the First-Year Free Tuition Program. 

Student Employment

Student employment is earned from applying for and obtaining an available job through our student employment office. This process is completed after a student has submitted their enrollment deposit, as part of their Enrollment Checklist. The amount listed on your offer is the estimated maximum amount you can earn in one year; it is not automatically applied to your bill. You must first work and earn these funds before they can be used. Your amount owed will not be reduced until your earnings are paid and applied to your student account (if you choose that option). Awarding student employment does not guarantee a position. Schedules accommodate academic and extracurricular activities. Earnings can be applied toward your bill, directly deposited, or a combination of both. 

Find out more about student employment at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Loan Information

Loans must be repaid with interest upon graduation or when you are no longer at least a half-time student. If you choose to borrow some or all of the amounts, you will need to complete entrance counseling, a master promissory note, and an annual student loan acknowledgment.

Explore loans, details, and FAQs.

Funding Details

Financial aid offers are made possible, in part, by generous Gustavus alumni and friends who have established scholarships to support students like you. Gustavus may replace your aid with funding from endowed or donor-designated scholarships. This reclassification aligns with the intent of donors and allows the College to optimize financial resources while preserving the student’s total financial aid award.

Additional Notes

For definitions of financial aid terms, please refer to this glossary.

If your financial circumstances have changed, please consult this webpage or reach out to the Admission Office at 507-933-7676 or admission [at] gustavus.edu (admission[at]gustavus[dot]edu). 

Your Gustavus financial aid offer includes any RaiseMe earnings you’ve received; it is not in addition to your RaiseMe amount.

We encourage students to submit the FAFSA each year they are enrolled to ensure consideration for all forms of financial aid.

For the most current policies and procedures, please visit the Academic Catalog.