The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN, USA

Reviews

The College of Saint Scholastica

Krystal from Scandia, MN

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here are challenging and stimulate thinking, but they are interesting as well. My classes right now all keep my interest and intrigue me. They also require me to put in a little effort outside of class, but it's worth it and it doesn't take too long.
The College of St. Scholastica has a lot of different classes and all the classes are taught by teachers who want their students to succeed and who enjoy teaching the subjects that they do (which makes it easier for the student to learn).
Am enjoying being here
I love being here. This school is basically my home away from home. It may seem like a big school when you see pictures of it, but it's really not. The teachers know me and other students by name, and walking down the hall you'll almost always see someone who you know.
The food is really good-even though it is cafeteria food-and the staff and faculty are always friendly and very polite and nice. Also, no matter what time it is and even what holiday isclose there is always something to do-that doesn't involve school if you don't want it to. Duluth and Scholastica are really pretty at any time of the year, and I definitely love being here. I don't think any other college would be able to make me feel at home like Scholastica does.
Bang for the buck
If by 'bang for the buck' you mean the money I'm paying is worth what I'm gettng back? The answer to that would be completely. The teachers make the courses interesting and worth your money and time. You're always learning something and enjoing what you're learning. Our rooms are easily worth what we pay for room and board, each room comes with at least one window and a sink, along with two huge closets. They also provide desks for all students in their rooms along with a common room on each floor of the doors that have sofas and desks as well.
The money we paid for for meal plans can be used all over the schol and not just in the cafeterias. We can use our money in one or both of the cafeterias, or at our little coffee shop, or even at the vending machines located all over the school.
The money I paid for my first year at St. Scholastica is definitely worth what I'm getting back in knowledge and food, and etc.
Tips for prospective students
A couple tips for perspective students...I would say that no matter what meal plan you get, you use at least one meal a day in Storm's Den (one of the cafeterias). Another tip is to pick classes that you think you'll enjoy and will also fulfill your general requirements. Also remember that college is supposed to be fun, so try and take a couple fun courses or make a study group for a harder course and make it fun.
Great for these types of students
The College of St. Scholastica is great for any and all types of students. No matter what your major, or your interests, the college and it's faculty are always willing to go the extra mile for you and help you find your place, or help you get into your program, or help you with whatever you need help with. St. Scholastica welcomes all types of students and enjoys having all sorts of different people in the school.

Emily from Duluth, MN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have created my own major at CSS. That is the beauty of the school, they have the resources to help you achieve your passions and they let you customize your academic plan so that you can achieve all your goals. The classes are challenging, and interesting and the professors push you out of your comfort zone, making you grow as a person.
Am enjoying being here
I love the students here. My advice, get involved in campus, get to know your fellow students. Being involved in some aspect of campus allows you to really make the school your home. The campus is beautiful and close to many parks, hiking trails and the beach.
Bang for the buck
You are able to explore your passions and take on big projects. As much work as you put into your experience is what you will get out of it. CSS provides so many opportunities, all you have to do is be willing to try them.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved right away is some club or activity. Go to the writing center they can really help you out with anything involving writing. Get to know your professors you will be surprised on how willing they are to help you succeed.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing people who love to learn and make a difference in the community they live in. CSS is an amazing nursing, pre-med, OT, PT school. Also we have a strong history, English, and language programs, education, CIS, and HIMM.

Kasey from Rosemount, MN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I find the lectures intellectually stimulating. I am learning a lot this semester, along with the last one. I felt the professors were very understanding and they often went above and beyond to help everyone undertand the material to the best of their ability. The homework is a way to reinforce what you learned in class, it never comes across as busy work, I actually find my time in class very enjoyable.
Am enjoying being here
I love the professors, the benedictine value system, and the entire atmosphere. Everyone holds the door open for one another. We all genuinely care for each other. The teachers are very involved and the students are just amazing... best place to learn and make life long friends.
Bang for the buck
Sure its expensive, but I feel the education we are receiving is definitely worth it. Theres a sense of safety, security and pride when you go to CSS. You know you are paying for a brighter and more successful future being there... its not like you're simply paying the school.. you are paying to be a CSS Saint.
Tips for prospective students
Definitely look over your financial situation thoroughly, make sure you want to commit to this high of a payment to be at CSS. Without a doubt, I say it is worth it. But its still very important to consider options and apply for scholarships.
Great for these types of students
The hardworking, very involved, and genuine students. Students who are involved with more than just academics... give sports a try, or join one of the many clubs. Theyre fun and you meet people. Hardworking, I say this with sincerity, if youre going to pay for optimum education, then be serious about it. Don't party hard just because you're finally in college, really focus... finals sneak up on ya faster than you think. Genuine... just be yourself. We are all very low-key, laid back, welcoming people. We accept you for who you are. If you love CSS, we love you back even more. :)

Rachel from Duluth, MN

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The College of Saint Scholastica has not only helped me to feel confident about my future, but this school has helped me appreciate education, helped me to discover who I am, and helped me see that it is possible to do what I love. After attending one year at this college, I have found a new appreciation for education and have found that if I work hard enough, I can really achieve my dreams and goals. I know I can complete a degree on time here which has helped me to not focus on how many years of schooling I have left, but has helped me to take in the college lifestyle and to take every opportunity I have!
Tips for prospective students
During my first year of college, I was told to try everything once, discover what I like to do, and to meet everyone I can. I took this tips to heart and have met many, many good friends and now know what I want to do for the rest of my life because I took risks during college and let down my guard. So, my tips to prospective college students would be to not get so wrapped up in what you want to major in, but instead, focus on what you love to do. If you figure this out, then I assure you that your major will fall into place. My motto is that if you are paying for education, don't waste it on partying, or taking classes in a major that isn't something that you want to do for the rest of your life. I am majoring in Occupational Therapy; even though I have to go to grad school for two years, I know it will be worth it because that is what I am passionate about.
Academic Rigor
The College of Saint Scholastica offers many levels of courses for students to take. I can say from experience that these classes test your abilities, patience, and procrastination. In college, you have a choice to go to class, do your homework, and study for tests. From this college, I have learned that those aren't really options, but a test. If you do study and do your homework, you will succeed as long as you want to get a degree and learn.
Dorm Life
I was nervous at first to live on my own and to be responsible for my actions, but living in the dorms helped me to connect with like-minded people who shared the same concerns. The only complaint I have about living in the dorms is that my roommate was nothing like me and we didn't get along. Besides that minor negative, I learned a lot about myself, my habits, and how I manage my time. I also believe that putting effort into meeting people in the dorms and connecting with my Residential Adviser has helped me to meet even more people. I also believe that becoming friends with those people, along with having a safe and comfortable place to go, helped me to make friends and therefore talk about my goals, worries, and homework concerns.
Food and Dining
Everyone says that college food is horrible, but I have to disagree. Although some dinners weren't what I would have necessarily been craving or would have had at home, it was edible and did fill me up. I was told going into college that there are many options for food and that is how the freshman 15 happens. I am here to say that is true. Although The College of Saint Scholastica has a gym, I didn't use it and to add to that, I had dessert with every meal because it was offered. The food was good and there were healthy options, vegetarian options, and even dairy-free options, but I chose the fries and cake instead. The food here is varied and cooked well, but I have learned that it is all a matter of choosing what I won't regret eating later.
What to do for fun
Because The College of Saint Scholastica is in Duluth, I have found that there are many things to do within the proximity of the campus. When I need groceries and necessities, I can walk down to the store in less than 10 minutes. If I get bored on the weekends, my friends and I can take the bus (FREE!) to Canal Park or to Miller Hill Mall to shop or get some coffee. Many things in the area are free and fun to do which is nice when college takes a lot of effort and lack of sleep!
Bang for the buck
The College of Saint Scholastica is a private, four year college which was scary at first to me because I didn't get many scholarships. But, after completing one year of my undergraduate college career, I have found that in the long run, a degree from this college in my desired job field will pay for itself. I have already made many connections which will be beneficial for my future: this has helped me to take advantage of every opportunity I have here at college and not to worry about all of the loans I have to pay back in the future.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I, myself, am not a Catholic but my college is. Because of this interesting tradition, at events for the student body, a prayer is always said before events begin. This is nice to me and my friends that aren't religious because we are getting a well-rounded view of college and this also provides safety and comfort to me when I get home-sick and miss my family. This college also has a Benedictine Center where nuns and retired elders live. This is interesting to me because in my health-related major, I am able to practice occupational therapy on the citizens of the center and connect with the nuns who work at this college and even teach some classes.
Great for these types of students
The College of Saint Scholastica is honestly great for any time of student. We offer classes for undergraduate students, graduate students, and even nighttime classes for single moms or anyone who works full time and doesn't have time to go to normal college. We also offer summer classes (which I am taking) which help current students to take more classes and perhaps graduate early. This college emphasizes on taking classes that don't pertain to your major in hopes of finding out what you really love and to pursue your passion in college. The College of Saint Scholastica is great for students have a love of learning, have and want respect, are hospitable, stewardship, and want to belong to a community who will accept them: these are our five Benedictine Values! This college is also great for any student who wants to discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives all while connecting with new people who share the same values and ideals as themselves!
Campus Safety
I was told at orientation that this college is very protective of their students and care very much about campus safety. Not only does the campus provide vehicles to take students to places after a certain time if they feel uncomfortable walking in the dark for a long distance. Our college also provides land line phones all over campus on lamp posts so that a student could call campus security for any concerns or for a ride to their house. The College of Saint Scholastica also provides links on the online website for sexual harassment and violence concerns which helps students to feel safe and comfortable in their environment.

Sean - Buffalo, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Dorm Life
Newly renovated dorms!! Beautiful and affordable.
Bang for the buck
Lots of scholarships to counteract high tuition fees. Great academics
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
This college offers a welcome weekend for all new freshmen which helps tremendously
Academic Rigor
Very tough, but makes for GREAT medical professionals! Definitely recommend for both 4.0 students and those of lower GPA’s. Small student to staff ratio means more accommodation for you as an individual.
Great for these types of students
ALL INCLUSIVE!! We pride ourselves on being all inclusive and very diverse!
Clubs and Activities
Many many many clubs offered
In three sentences
A great place to study nursing and pre-med-med, based sciences. Every accepted atudent is guaranteed a scholarship to help with tuition. Very accepting student body and amazing dean of students!! All inclusive!
Food and Dining
This is where the college lacks in options and quality. Poor food selection and auality...
What to do for fun
Lots of clubs and on campus involvement opportunities! Also lots to do in Duluth. Im never bored
Tips for prospective students
Stay on top of classes! Get involved with activities. Lots of on campus jobs for you to get.
Greek Life
What?
Campus Safety
24hr campus guards on duty! Very safe area

Brook from Iron River, WI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is a very great school. I love how this school gets involved with the students. The environment and everything about this school is amazing!!!
Tips for prospective students
Don't be worried about anything at this school they make you feel right at home. You will succeed at this school if you keep up with all your homework and study for all your test. And if you need help with any homework there is always free help for you.
Academic Rigor
There is a lot of homework and the teachers expect a lot out of you. But due to the small class sizes you get to know your professors which makes asking for help easy. The teachers are always there for help and if you need more assistance then there is a free tutoring center for you.
Food and Dining
The food is alright. I think it is really good for school food. You can not go into the dining area's like GDR and the Den with the expectations of a home cooking. The variety of food is good too.
What to do for fun
There is a lot of fun things to do on and off campus. There is canal park, downtown, skiing and shopping off campus. On campus there is a gym, scenic trials, intramural sports, concerts, and activities that the RA's put on for the students living in the dorms. Everything on campus is free. The gym has a rock wall and sport equipment for students use.
Bang for the buck
This school is well worth your money! You get a great class room experience and you will graduate with your bachelors degree in four years. Which is very rare at most schools. This school has a lot of benefits for your money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are a lot of traditions at St. Scholastica like the tree lighting and and the freshman inauguration. They also have annual dances like the homecoming dance, the Halloween dance and the winter ball. There are a lot of catholic statues and sites that they have on campus.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people that like to be involved in there school and that love small classroom environments. This school also goes out of its way during welcome weekend to help all the freshman feel welcome and helps everyone meet people. So this school would be great for people that are shy.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs and activities on campus and there are huge club fairs for everyone and St. Scholastica and they are very friendly and love to see freshman join. There are activities every Friday or Saturday night. For example ice skating and movie nights.
Greek Life
There are no sororities or frats.
Campus Safety
They have a lot of security guards and to get into any building you need to swipe your student ID. There is also a code to get into your dorm bathrooms.

Samantha from Bloomington, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CSS is a small close knit community made up of people from a variety of places across the nation and internationally. It's a great place to be on any given night, there's always events on campus and Duluth is the most beautiful city. The dorms are spacious and the food is delicious, every professor wants each student to succeed and always makes themselves available in addition to all of the supplemental learning already put in place by the college.
Tips for prospective students
Apply, Apply, Apply! Apply to St. Scholastica, attend a tour and try to stay overnight! The longer you are on campus the more you'll fall in love with the history behind this 100 year old school. We still have nuns on campus reminding us of where we began and they continue to build new facilities to attend to the growing population of students attending classes.
Academic Rigor
The programs are small, so doing well in your classes is a must. However, the professors want students to do well and make themselves available to us as a tool and resource.
Dorm Life
The dorms are spacious and well climate-controlled. WE HAVE SINKS! The RA's are really cool and every floor has a lounge with big comfy couches. We also have on each floor academic residents that assist us with school work during their office hours if we need it. Living on campus is great!
Food and Dining
Our grab-and-go food (Storm's) and our Coffee Shop (Beakers) is really delicious and there's a variety of things to choose from. We always have fresh sushi and really good espresso. The dining hall is sometimes hit-or-miss but for the most part the main line is something you'd want to eat. There are gluten free and vegetarian options at every meal and they also account for lactose intolerance.
What to do for fun
Duluth is a super fun city to live in as a college student when things on campus slow down. Every weekend there's a bunch of things going on on campus for students to do. There are dances, concerts, game nights, outdoor movies, movies that play in lecture halls, glow in the dark frisbee, smore's on science lawn, Bingo!, and as with any campus, intoxication. If you choose to leave campus there's always UMD down the hill to visit, they have events that CSS students often attend as well. Landmarks that are fun to check out include Canal Park, Enger Tower, the Aquarium, the Depot, Miller Hill Mall, and Downtown Duluth. The Transit System is great, which makes getting to these cool places easy and it's free for students!
Bang for the buck
While the ticket price for CSS is $40,000 a year, they have great scholarships available based on Merit, and they give grants and aid. Any outside scholarships can be stacked onto the ones you earn by the school. This isn't true for all colleges, so it's a good thing if you choose CSS because you can add outside scholarships to your financial aid. They do have some athletic scholarships, but I'm not an athlete that receives them so I don't know much about that.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The foyer of our main building Tower is a special place for me. Historically, that was the only building on campus and it was an all girls school, so the girls lived there. When boys would come to court them they had to wait in this foyer that still stands today and they would sit in these wooden chairs and swing their feet. Today, there are scuff marks on the chairs where the heels of the boy's shoe would hit the chair as they waited for the girls to come downstairs. I think this is adorable and it's one of the things that sold me on CSS. There's a rich history here, and we're proud of where we've been.
Great for these types of students
There are a lot of small-town kids here, but in my opinion a lot more city folk. I myself grew up near downtown Minneapolis and I don't feel at all like this school is too small. People that are willing to work hard and grow will do well here.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs on campus and a lot of sports as well.
Greek Life
We don't have Greek Life!
Campus Safety
Security is always patrolling campus, and they will pick you up if you feel unsafe!

Ruslan from Finland, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The college of Saint Scholastica has provided me a small community setting hosting roughly 4,000 students in total, allowing for incoming freshman to have an easier time with meeting other students. With a 14 to 1 ratio between students and professors the class sizes tended to be small and provided good learning experiences and easy communication with professors. My freshman experience was also enlightened by joining clubs and organizations which helped to find like-minded people to interact with, allowing me to conclusively state that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a freshman at CSS!
Tips for prospective students
Throughout the year I heard of a few horror stories from other freshman pertaining to their experiences at Saint Scholastica as well as the University of Minnesota Duluth. Almost every case has to do with newly met peers from the dorms or the lounges. Because the freshman population is very small there is a guaranteed chance of encountering the same people on a weekly bases. The best way to deal with unfavorable relationships, in my opinion, is to join clubs, groups and other organizations on campus to meet students with similar interests. These organizations will bring you into a pool of people from freshman to seniors as well.
Straying away from social matters I will now bring up a point that may save you a great amount of cash: be conservative on how you buy books! Most students will buy the brand new versions of the textbook required for class costing them an average of over $100. Be smarter than them and look for either an older edition or an international edition. Why these? They have the same content, or slightly altered content to what is in the latest version. The international edition is not for sale in bookstores and must be purchased online because it is technically not legal for sale within the united states; therefore, do so at your own risk (which is hardly even worth calling a risk)
If you're planning on majoring in any health science related field (nursing, PT, Exercise Phys) I suggest that you fulfill classes that will help you with entrance into a medical school. This keeps your options open and hardly increases scheduling difficulties.
Last, but not least, take summer classes! These classes are about a third of the fall and spring credit costs and can help you take any extra classes you might want (ex. pre-reqs for med school).
Academic Rigor
Classes at CSS can be very challenging depending on what professor is teaching the course, and how often you study. Ask other students, especially those who have been on campus for a few years, about professors and consider consulting ratemyprofessors.com Any class can easily become a nightmare if you fall behind on studying.
Dorm Life
I was placed in overflow housing with 7 other students which turned out to be a blast. Besides having to share two bathrooms with nearly 18 others the experience was positive. Within seconds I was able to meet up with several friends, or walk a minute or so to the regular dorms. Having viewed the regular dorms I can say that they were larger than most dorms located on other campuses.
Most nights had something going on in someone's room so finding something to carry away the night was not difficult. Cable, and wifi are available throughout the dorms allowing for mobility of movie nights from in the dorm to out in a lounge.
Entertainment value is easy to come by, yet does not spoil the ability to stay academically afloat making the dorms at CSS a good decision as an incoming freshman.
Food and Dining
The campus hosts two large sources of food, one being the greenview dining center which is a cafeteria style food service. One swipe of your school i.d and you have permission to eat until you burst. Each day the menu varies and has reasonably wide selection of foods for being located on a small campus.
The second main food source is known as Storm's den, named after the St. Bernard mascot. The food service within is much like a store in the way that items are selected and brought to a cash register where either your dining dollars or cash is accepted in exchange for food.
What to do for fun
In a mile radius the campus is located near woodland trails, UMD, and a small shopping center. As most incoming freshman will not own cars, these are most likely to be among the most common destinations throughout the year. Buses pick students up from campus and can deliver them to the mall area, or to downtown Duluth where many tourists and couples reside for relaxing evenings.
Bang for the buck
Though a private school and seemingly overly expensive, the degrees handed out will enable you to make some big bucks. Most students receive financial aid which lowers the cost to about the same price as a state university such as UMD. Never let tuition be too large of a factor in deciding whether or not to attend a school. Wise actions such as low interest rate loans, applying for scholarships as both a senior and high school and as a college student, and having a job getting roughly 15+ hours a week will keep debt to a minimal.
If you decide to have the smallest meal plan the college has to offer it would be smart to cook meals from scratch that can be easily saved for left overs. Discuss penny-pinching techniques with friends and be sure to follow their advice because every penny counts!
Clubs and Activities
For anyone who tirelessly engages in extra curricular activities this campus will have plenty of organizations to participate in.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is excellent as far as I noticed during my first year of attendance. RA's and campus security are constantly roaming the campus and are available through incident report. Telephone stations for security summoning are located throughout the roads allowing for secure transport to a destination on campus if needed.

Ayla from Shoreview, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love the small, inclusive environment that Saint Scholastica offers! I have loved all of my classes so far and teachers are fantastic and so helpful to help you succeed. I have already learned so much about my classes, time management and studying (things I didn't learn in high school), being a good friend, and caring about those around you.
Tips for prospective students
Although having brains in the first place is a very important thing, Saint Scholastica is a fantastic school at helping you along even if you aren't a genius. All of the teachers I have had so far are willing to help you in their office hours or scheduled meetings, class sizes are small so you can ask questions if you want. It's a really great learning environment for all types of learners and all levels.
Dorm Life
The freshman dorms are definitely that-freshman dorms. They aren't anything fantastic, but they were the biggest of any of the colleges that I toured. I lived in the old apartment buildings for my Sophomore year and they were so-so. The newest apartment buildings for upper classmen, however, are really nice although walls are paper thin. The school provides lots of fun events for students living on campus such as a casino night in which 3 trips to Las Vegas were given away along with many other prizes! The school does a great job of spending money they receive through tuition to better the experience of the students.
Food and Dining
Greenview food is good most of the time-however not usually good for you. Storm's den food is normally really good (especially the freshly made wraps and burrito Mondays), but it is really expensive.
What to do for fun
Lots of opportunities are provided on campus by Resident Hall Association and other organizations on campus. Like I said earlier, the school does a great job of investing the money they receive from tuition and donations into the experiences for students. We had many big events that involved giveaways as big as Las Vegas trips, ipads, etc. Events were always fun with big blow-up bouncers, trivia night, monthly movie nights with movies that hadn't yet been released on DVD, etc. Lots of things to do on campus!
Bang for the buck
It's an expensive school-it's private, so it's what you'd expect. But I absolutely love my experience at CSS. They have just remodeled the science building and added on a huge expansion, they are very generous with their students with events, prizes, etc. Aside from all that, the education I have received so far has been phenomenal.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Last year all of us as a campus went SKYDIVING-put on by RA's, Student Senate, and Resident Hall Association. The plan is to do it again next year and the year following, etc.!
Great for these types of students
All who are willing to respect a few stricter rules set by the nuns. These involve co-ed visitation curfews and quiet hours.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for everything-and if there isn't, make your own! I have a friend who this last year has created a skydiving club after a big event we as the RA's put on for the campus, AND a paintball club is in the making!
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
It's small and I really have never heard of any crime happening other than some vandalism and a few things stolen (as you would have on any campus to some degree). This is speaking from an RA's perspective.

Meredith from Orr, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this college is small so it has a great teacher to student ratio. teachers as well as the college mission is to challenge students, but instill a love of learning. i believe wants to see students succeed.
Tips for prospective students
make sure to have a general idea of what interests you to help the advisors pick the best classes for you. it's an expensive college, so choose your major wisely. don't be afraid to ask questions, faculty and staff are very willing to help.
Academic Rigor
it's a learning environment.
What to do for fun
there is always something going on at the college. from student seminars, to community service/volunteering as well as guest speakers/entertainers. the college is a very family oriented college that takes good care of their students. example, the sisters and faculty always have some food event available for students and the student body is very much a big family.
Bang for the buck
it is more expensive than the average college, but worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
everyone is always very friendly, both the employees and the students have high standards and morals that are reflected in their conduct. the college has a happy and peaceful atmosphere that is always enjoyable. it's a home away from home.
Great for these types of students
this college is great for shy and quiet people who need to build self-confidence and slowly creep out of their shells.
Clubs and Activities
there's always student senates and clubs for students to participate in. there are also constant daily activities for students to keep busy with. also football, basketball, and volleyball sports and clubs.
Greek Life
i don't know what greek life is?
Campus Safety
the campus is very safe. there is constant security on campus. the student body as a whole i feel is above average in terms of morals and safety that there has never been an issue with safety that i have known of.