Gustavus Adolphus College Guide
Overview of this Lutheran Liberal Arts College in St. Peter, MN
If you're looking for a classic liberal arts college in a rural setting with a friendly atmosphere, check out Gustavus Adolphus College in southwest Minnesota.
Where is Gustavus Adolphus College? GAC is located in St. Peter, Minnesota (population 10,000), about 60 miles southwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. If you're driving through St. Peter you can't miss Gustavus, as it looms over the town. St.. Peter is a little sleepy but very pretty. There's a historical downtown with quaint shops, and lots of vintage Victorian homes. The panoramic view from campus of the Minnesota River Valley will cheer you up on a blustery day. When students get bored or need to go to Target, they can drive 13 miles to Mankato (population 40,000).
What basic information should I know about GAC?
- Enrollment: About 2500 students, all undergraduates
- Type of school: Liberal arts college, private
- Religious affiliation: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- Student/Faculty Ration: 12:1
- Tuition: As of 2007, $32,790 for tuition, room, and board.
What's life at GAC like?
- Gustavus is a Swedish Lutheran college. However, you don't need to be a Lutheran (or even Christian) to attend. Although most students are Christian, views on Christianity vary among the student body. Chapel meets every morning between 10:00-10:20 am. It's attended by many students but not mandatory.
- GAC has a reputation for being a friendly place, and that's true, although it definitely has this small town "everybody knows you" thing that's not for everyone.
- As a student at GAC, you'll get lots of personal attention from your professors. Most classes are small and interactive.
- The dormitories on campus are informally divided into two sections: the jock/party dorms and the artsy/serious student dorms.
- The majority of students come from Minnesota, many from suburbs of the Twin Cities or small Minnesota towns. However, students come from 46 out of 50 states and from abroad.
- Politically, you'll find a mix of students and professors. Most people would describe the campus as somewhat liberal. As far as rural Christian colleges go, it's definitely liberal.
- Although Gustavus has made a strong effort to have a more diverse campus, there's not much racial diversity.
What areas of study is GAC best known for? As you might expect, GAC is best known for their liberal arts majors. However, the science departments have quite a reputation too, especially the physics department. Dance, theater, and music are impressive as well.
What's special about GAC?
- Every fall, Gustavus hosts the prestigious Nobel Conference, where renowned scientists speak about cutting edge and controversial research topics. The 2007 topic is the energy debate.
- In December, GAC hosts Christmas in Christ Chapel, a spectacular musical event featuring vocal and instrumental performances by students. Tickets sell out quickly.
- On March 29, 1998, a devastating tornado ripped through St. Peter and just about tore apart the campus. Thankfully, students were on Spring Break at the time. Classes for the remainder of the semester were held in FEMA trailers, and within a year things were mostly back to normal. The event is an important milestone in Gustavus history that really brought the community together.
See also:
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities Guide
