School Profile

Gustavus Adolphus College is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage. The College offers students of high aspiration and promise a liberal arts education of recognized excellence provided by faculty who embody the highest standards of teaching and scholarship. The Gustavus curriculum is designed to bring students to mastery of a particular area of study within a general framework that is both interdisciplinary and international in perspective. We strive to balance educational tradition with innovation and to foster the development of values as an integral part of intellectual growth. It seeks to promote the open exchange of ideas and the independent pursuit of learning.

The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. It is a community where a mature understanding of the Christian faith and lives of service are nurtured and students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world. The purpose of a Gustavus education is to help its students attain their full potential as persons, to develop in them a capacity and passion for lifelong learning, and to prepare them for fulfilling lives of leadership and service in society.

Key Programs Offered

Campus Life

There are a lot of factors that contribute to your college decision. Academic quality, residential life, financial aid… even the food can help you make up your mind! We hope that you visit a lot of colleges—both big and small—before you decide which one to call home for the next four years. So, why Gustavus? We’re known for our strength academically. We think that’s the most important feature of a college. After all, you’re going to college to get an education. There are a lot of ways to measure academic quality: faculty credentials, curriculum options, class size, graduation data, and more. But college is also a collection of experiences—both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re interested in arts or athletics, social justice or music, theatre or intramurals, we hope you look at the entire college to see if Gustavus is the right fit for you. When it comes down to it, your college decision is about just that; finding the right fit. Think carefully about what features you’re looking for in a college. Remember, we’re here to help you along the way. And when the time comes for you to make your decision, we hope you decide to be a Gustie!