Connecticut College vs. Macalester College

Comparable Facts

Compare Connecticut College in New London, CT with Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Macalester College is larger than Connecticut College based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 1,990 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Connecticut College is located in New London, CT (Small City setting); Macalester College is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Connecticut College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Connecticut College 9:1; Macalester College 10:1.

Connecticut College vs. Macalester College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Connecticut College or Macalester College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Macalester College than Connecticut College ($40,225 vs. $45,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 15.1% lower than at Connecticut College ($15,760 vs. $18,558).
• Macalester College is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Connecticut College (about $862 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $67,242.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Macalester College than at Connecticut College (about $862 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $67,242.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Connecticut College than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Connecticut College students ($42,766 vs. $38,932).

Connecticut College vs. Macalester College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Connecticut College or Macalester College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Macalester College and Connecticut College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Connecticut College (1430) is the same as at Macalester College (1430).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Connecticut College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Connecticut College 1350/1500; Macalester College 1350/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Connecticut College 30/33; Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Connecticut College - Test optional; Macalester College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Connecticut College Jan 1, 2027; Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Connecticut College (3.7).
• Connecticut College has a higher acceptance rate (37%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Connecticut College vs. 21.9% at Macalester College.

Connecticut College vs. Macalester College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Connecticut College and Macalester College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Macalester College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Connecticut College's (84%).
• Graduates from Connecticut College earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,700 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $880 lower median loan debt than Connecticut College graduates ($22,670 vs. $23,550).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Connecticut College graduates ($234 vs. $243).
• More Connecticut College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Macalester College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 89%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.