Macalester College
About Macalester College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Selective with a 28% acceptance rate, it is known for its internationalism, strong programs in math, economics, and political science, and an 88% graduation rate.
Founded
1874
Location
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Students
2,131
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
87.1%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,104
Per year
Avg Net Price
$32,149
After financial aid
SAT Average
1440
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,878
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
About 4 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Macalester College accepts 28.5% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1440 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1440/ 1600
ACT Scores
31/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
87.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.3%
4-Year Grad
85%
6-Year Grad
90%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84.2%
$/Student
$25.0K
Class Size
Small
85% of students graduate on time, and 84.2% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,104
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,760
Books & Supplies
N/A
Total Cost of Attendance
$82,991
After Financial Aid
$32,149
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,772
Receive Grants
17.2%
Take Loans
35.6%
Don't let the $68,104 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $32,149 after financial aid, a 53% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $13,772.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Macalester College fund their education.
While in School
17.2%
Get Grants
Free money
35.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$88,991
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Macalester College.
Gender
56.6%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,131
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
12.8%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 14.7% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,131
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Macalester College fields 11 varsity teams with 546 student athletes, about 26% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Minnesota
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
546
26% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
303
Men
243
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Macalester Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,878
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer and Information Sciences, General
$82K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Mathematics
$57K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$60K
61 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$36K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$39K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$38K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $46K at six years, $44K at eight, and $64K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Macalester College
What is the acceptance rate at Macalester College?▾
How much does Macalester College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Macalester College?▾
How much do Macalester College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.