Macalester College vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

Compare Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN with Colgate University in Hamilton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colgate University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (3,211 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Macalester College vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Colgate? 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 Colgate University than Macalester College ($28,736 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 10.5% lower than at Colgate University ($15,760 vs. $17,610).
• Colgate University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Macalester College (about $2,202 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $68,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Colgate than at Macalester College (about $2,202 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $68,104.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College than at Colgate University (87% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 36.4% larger than aid received by Macalester College students ($58,334 vs. $42,766).

Macalester College vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Macalester College or Colgate? 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 Colgate and Macalester College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 60 points higher than at Macalester College (1430).
• Incoming Colgate students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Macalester College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Colgate (3.77).
• Macalester College has a higher acceptance rate (28.5%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Macalester College vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Colgate? 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).

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Macalester College's (87%).
• Graduates from Colgate University earn a median of about $21,200 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,300 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $6,545 lower median loan debt than Macalester College graduates ($16,125 vs. $22,670).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Macalester College graduates ($166 vs. $234).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colgate students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 86%)

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.