Macalester College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Macalester College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Macalester College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Macalester College ($18,595 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 7.7% lower than at Macalester College ($14,540 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 163.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $42,246 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.4% higher at Macalester College than at Fisk University (about $42,246 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College as at Fisk University (87% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 87.5% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($42,766 vs. $22,811).

Macalester College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 100 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Macalester College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $3,330 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($22,670 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 38%)

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.