Macalester College vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Macalester College vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than Macalester College ($14,735 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 32.8% lower than at Macalester College ($10,596 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 564.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $57,859 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 564.8% higher at Macalester College than at Saint Cloud State University (about $57,859 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College than at Saint Cloud State University (87% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 507.8% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($42,766 vs. $7,036).

Macalester College vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Macalester College or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and Macalester College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 290 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Macalester College vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than St. Cloud State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $170 lower median loan debt than Macalester College graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,670).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Macalester College graduates ($232 vs. $234).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 67%)

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.