College comparison

Carleton vs Macalester

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	Carleton Northfield, MN	Macalester Saint Paul, MN
Acceptance rateCarleton College is more selective	20%	29%
SAT (25–75)	1450–1560	1350–1510
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	2,086	2,131
Avg net price	$25,407	$32,149
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)
Location	Northfield, MN	Saint Paul, MN

Quick answers

Is Carleton College or Macalester College harder to get into?

Carleton College is more selective: Carleton College's acceptance rate is approximately 20% and Macalester College's is approximately 29% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Carleton College vs Macalester College?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1350–1510 at Macalester College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.