Overview
Founded in 1874, Macalester College is a 4-year liberal arts college in St. Paul. Macalester confers undergraduate degrees in 39 majors from over 60 academic fields of study. For students who wish to learn in a different culture, Mac offers a Study Abroad program in 51 countries on every continent except Antarctica. Outside of the classroom, Macalester fields 21 men’s and women’s teams known as the Scots and is also home to club sports such as ultimate frisbee and Nordic skiing.
Acceptance Rate:
28%
Average Net Price:
$35,589
Campus Setting:
Major city
Average GPA
3.9
Average ACT Composite
32
Average SAT Composite
1415
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $64,908 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $64,908 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $15,477 |
| Books and Supplies | $926 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
97%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
18%
Average Aid Per Year
$40,262
18%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,737
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$38,919
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
47%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,714
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,473
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$203
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
Important Deadlines
Admitted Student Stats
30%
Submitting ACT
33%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 32
Average SAT Composite: 1415
Admissions Resources
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
2,175
Total Number of Undergrads
2,175
0
100
88%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
93%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
10:1
US National: 21:1Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
41
Faculty Overview
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Housing
0
100
60%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Scots
School Colors
blue and orange
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Minnesota Intercollegiate Ath Conf
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$55,800
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingDefinitely visit! Macalester has a very definite atmosphere, and it's difficult to imagine yourself as a student there without having physically been there.
Rowan from Finlayson, MN
I've learned a ton in areas inside and outside my major. When trying to figure out my major I was astounded by the quality of the science department. My high school lacked a strong science program, but I learned so much so quickly through my classes at Mac that I'm now a declared biology major and working on summer research with a professor.
Joseph from Spring Park, MN
Macalester offers a unique and highly intensified education - you'll definitely learn a lot here.
Savannah from Tucson, AZ
Macalester is a very accepting, open-minded, and active college. Aside from its academic rigor, it also offers many opportunities to engage the Twin Cities community, study abroad, and meet other students from a variety of backgrounds. Macalester always has something going on and its small size, combined with the possibilities of the Twin Cities, gives students the intimacy of small schools (small class sizes, connections to professors, etc.) without being limited in their education.
Carolyn from Germantown, WI
Macalester is intellectually engaging and challenging. It emphasizes internationalism and community engagement, but it often falls down when it comes to commitment to its progressive values.
Sarah
macalester has a beautiful campus. macalester has friendly welcoming people. macalester includes a diverse student body.
McKinley from Sandstone, MN
I have only spent a semester here, but already I've learned quite a bit. Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom; everyone at Mac has unique experiences to share. Classes are really intense, and they will challenge you in very unexpected ways. I had to learn a bit of HTML code for an English class of all things. I've grown a lot since being here.
Anne T.
I have no doubt that I will learn a ton. Macalester is a great school and I've heard from many current students and alumni that their experiences in the classroom and abroad are irreplaceable. I have a feeling that no matter who you are, though, you will only get out of college as much as you put in. I plan to put most of my energy into my studies (but I definitely plan to spend lots of time having a very fun four years of independence.)
Marijo from Mahtomedi, MN
Having basis in the liberal arts is a major draw for Macalester. Getting to test the waters and form out a career path as I move along is a definite plus at Mac.
Inga from Bemidji, MN
At Macalester I have found a loving and supportive community, challenging and rigorous academics and more opportunities than I ever could have dreamed of. I have learned about the world around me and about myself at Mac and have developed meaningful relationships with my peers, my bosses (work study) and my professors. Campus is beautiful and the Twin Cities are a wonderful place to study and grow.
Sarah
