Gustavus Adolphus College, located in Saint Peter, Minnesota, is a private liberal arts institution renowned for academic excellence, community engagement, and student success. Founded in 1862, the college provides international students with access to a vibrant campus environment and career-building opportunities.
Recognizing the financial challenges of studying in the U.S., Gustavus offers extensive scholarships and financial aid programs, ensuring that talented students from around the world can access a high-quality education without incurring overwhelming debt.
Scholarship Benefits
The Gustie Guarantee
The Gustie Guarantee provides a transformative financial support program for first-year students:
Guaranteed Merit Aid: Every admitted first-year student receives at least $120,000 over four years ($30,000 per year).
Tuition Relief for Minnesota Families: Families earning under $80,000 annually may receive full first-year tuition coverage.
Extended Support: Students needing more than four years to graduate receive their ninth semester tuition-free.
This program ensures that international students benefit from substantial merit-based aid from the moment of admission.
Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic performance and achievements:
| Scholarship | Annual Value |
|---|---|
| Gold Scholarship | $25,000 |
| Three Crowns Scholarship | $30,000 |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $34,000 |
| President’s Scholarship | $38,000 |
| Excellence Scholarship | $40,000 |
All merit scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters), providing significant tuition relief for international students.
Fine Arts Scholarships
Fine Arts Scholarships are available to students of all majors and reward excellence in creative disciplines:
Music Scholarships: $2,000–$25,000 annually, based on auditions and faculty evaluation.
Theatre & Dance (Evelyn Anderson Scholarship): $500–$6,000 annually, renewable, for outstanding performance or choreography.
Art Scholarships: $500–$2,000 annually, awarded based on portfolio review.
Note: Fine Arts Scholarships are stackable with merit awards and require submission of additional materials via the Applicant Portal.
Eligibility Criteria
International students are eligible for Gustavus scholarships if they:
Are admitted as full-time first-year students.
Demonstrate strong academic performance (unweighted GPA, test scores optional).
Meet specific requirements for Fine Arts Scholarships, if applicable.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress for scholarship renewal.
Required Documents
Completed application for admission (via Gustavus website or Common App).
Official academic transcripts.
Recommendation letters.
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
Fine Arts materials, if applying for arts scholarships (portfolio, audition recordings, etc.).
Application Process
Submit Application for Admission: Include all required academic and language documents.
Automatic Merit Consideration: No separate merit scholarship application is required.
Apply for Fine Arts Scholarships (Optional): Submit additional materials through the Applicant Portal.
Maintain Academic Progress: Scholarships are renewable for four years if GPA and progress requirements are met.
Deadline
Admission and Scholarship Consideration: Varies by term; early application is strongly recommended to maximize scholarship eligibility.
Contact the Gustavus Admissions Office for specific deadlines for international students.
Final Notes
Gustavus Adolphus College offers international students an affordable, high-quality liberal arts education supported by guaranteed scholarships and extensive financial aid resources. The combination of merit and fine arts awards ensures that talented students can pursue academic and creative excellence without financial stress.
FAQs – Gustavus Scholarships
Q1: Are scholarships available to international students?
A: Yes, all admitted students, including internationals, are considered for merit scholarships.
Q2: Do I need a separate application for merit scholarships?
A: No, merit awards are automatically considered during admission.
Q3: Can Fine Arts Scholarships be combined with merit scholarships?
A: Yes, Fine Arts Scholarships are stackable with academic awards.
Q4: What is the maximum scholarship amount available?
A: Merit awards can reach $40,000 annually, plus additional Fine Arts Scholarships.
Q5: What happens if my grades drop?
A: Scholarships require satisfactory academic progress for renewal each year.
Q6: How can I maximize my scholarship opportunities?
A: Apply early, highlight academic and extracurricular achievements, submit Fine Arts materials if applicable, and maintain strong academic performance.