Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
29%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1350–1510
Undergrad enrollment
2,131
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$32,149
In-state tuition
$68,104
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Median ACT
33
Median SAT
1480
Acceptance Rate
29%
Graduation Rate
90%
Undergrad Enrollment
~2,200
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
International Students
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Macalester College?
Macalester College's acceptance rate is approximately 29% (Saint Paul, MN), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Macalester College?
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score 1350–1510 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Macalester College cost?
At Macalester College, the average net price (after aid) is about $32,149 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Macalester College?
Macalester College enrolls approximately 2,131 undergraduate students.
Where is Macalester College located?
Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN.
Macalester College is a small, fiercely intellectual liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a global outlook and a reputation for progressive politics. Known for its rigorous academics, international student body, and commitment to social justice, Macalester attracts students who are as passionate about debate and activism as they are about their studies. With a 90% graduation rate and a median SAT score of 1480, it’s a place where high achievers thrive.
Admissions
Macalester is selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 29%. Admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1360–1490 or ACT scores around 33, with 74% of enrolled students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class. The admissions process prioritizes rigor of secondary school record, academic GPA, and application essays, while considering extracurricular activities and character/personal qualities as "important." Macalester’s admissions are need-aware for international students but need-blind for domestic applicants.
Macalester offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with over 800 courses annually and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Popular majors include Biology (5%), Geography and Environmental Studies (4%), Neuroscience (4%), and Mathematics (4%). The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, with programs like Environmental Studies drawing from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Students describe the academic culture as collaborative but intense, with a focus on critical thinking and global perspectives. The Princeton Review notes that Macalester students are "curious, highly motivated, and serious about their academic pursuits."
Life at Macalester revolves around its tight-knit, activist-leaning community. With 100+ student organizations—from cultural clubs to rugby—the campus buzzes with activity. About 57% of students live on campus, often praising the spacious dorms and communal spaces like the campus center, which one student called "always full of students working and studying alone and together." The college is notably LGBTQ+-friendly, with multiple identity-focused clubs and a reputation for inclusivity. Reddit threads highlight Macalester’s "very supportive" environment, where students bond over shared interests in social justice and global cultures.
Macalester boasts a 90% graduation rate—among the top 5% of U.S. colleges—and 95% of alumni report being satisfied with their education. Early-career salaries average $66,900 for full-time U.S. employees, though College Factual notes this varies by major, with some graduates earning around $37,000 initially. The strong outcomes reflect Macalester’s reputation for preparing students for graduate school and careers in public service, education, and STEM fields.
Tuition at Macalester is steep, but the college meets 100% of demonstrated need for domestic students. The average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $40,225, with 59% of students receiving financial aid (average package: $66,010). Notably, Macalester guarantees full-tuition scholarships for admitted U.S. students with family incomes under $100,000 and "typical" assets. The college encourages families to use its net price calculator for personalized estimates.
Macalester distinguishes itself with its global focus (20% international students), commitment to social justice, and rigorous academics in a collaborative environment. Unlike larger universities, it offers intimate class sizes and accessible professors, while its Twin Cities location provides urban opportunities without sacrificing a cohesive campus community. The college’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and its strong outcomes—90% graduation rate, $66K+ early salaries—make it a standout among liberal arts colleges. As one student summed it up: "Macalester is where you go if you want to debate policy at 2 a.m., then organize a protest by noon."
Macalester College logo · sourceAbout Macalester - About - About - Macalester College · sourceMacalester College · sourceCampus Center - Center for Student Leadership & Engagement - Macalester College · source
