Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City
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About Macalester College
Macalester College ( mə-KAL-iss-tər) is a private liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1874, Macalester is exclusively an undergraduate institution with an enrollment of 2,068 students in the fall of 2025. The college has Scottish and Presbyterian roots and emphasizes internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. As of 2026, the college offers 38 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations. Students also have the option to design their own major. Macalester's sports teams compete in the NCAA Division III-level Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The college's 60-acre main campus is bordered by Summit Avenue to the north and St. Clair Avenue to the south. The 300-acre Ordway Field Station, a nature reserve and research station, is on the outskirts of the Twin Cities, along the Mississippi River.
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
29%
Acceptance
$32,149
Net price
2,131
Enrollment
87%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
29%
Acceptance rate
1,440
SAT average
31
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$32,149
Average net price
$68,104
In-state tuition
$68,104
Out-of-state tuition
$15,760
Room & board
—
Books & supplies
$82,991
Total cost of attendance
17%
Students receiving Pell grants
36%
Students with federal loans
$23,000
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$63,878
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$46,244
Median earnings (6 yrs)
87%
Graduation rate
92%
Retention rate
83%
Earn more than a HS grad
$25,033
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
2,131
Total enrollment
2%
Part-time
19
Avg. age at entry
13%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Macalester College FAQ
Is Macalester College a public or private school?
Macalester College is a private nonprofit institution located in Saint Paul, MN.
What is the acceptance rate at Macalester College?
Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Macalester College cost?
The average annual net price at Macalester College is $32,149 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $68,104.
What is the graduation rate at Macalester College?
About 87% of students at Macalester College complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Macalester College graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College students earn a median of $63,878 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Macalester College?
Admitted students at Macalester College have an average SAT score of 1,440 and an ACT midpoint of 31. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Macalester College?
Macalester College enrolls about 2,131 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — McGhiever · CC BY-SA 4.0. Additional images are representative.
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