Knox College vs. Macalester College

Comparable Facts

Compare Knox College in Galesburg, IL 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 Knox College based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Knox College is located in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting); Macalester College is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Knox College 11:1; Macalester College 10:1.

Knox College vs. Macalester College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Knox 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 Knox College than Macalester College ($25,709 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 31.9% lower than at Macalester College ($10,728 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 17.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Knox College (about $10,201 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $57,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Macalester College than at Knox College (about $10,201 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $57,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Knox College than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 0.6% larger than aid received by Knox College students ($42,766 vs. $42,532).

Knox College vs. Macalester College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Knox 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 Knox College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 120 points higher than at Knox College (1310).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Knox College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 1180/1440; Macalester College 1350/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 21/32; Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Knox College - Test optional; Macalester College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Knox College Jan 15, 2027; Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Knox College has a higher acceptance rate (70.8%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Knox College vs. 21.9% at Macalester College.

Knox College vs. Macalester College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Knox 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 Knox College's (78%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Knox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $4,330 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($22,670 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Knox College students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 74%)

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.