Macalester College vs. Soka University of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN with Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Macalester College is larger than Soka University of America based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 495 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Soka University of America is in Aliso Viejo, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Soka University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Soka University of America 7:1.

Macalester College vs. Soka University of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America than Macalester College ($15,691 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Soka University of America are 8.8% lower than at Macalester College ($14,378 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 75.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Soka University of America (about $29,376 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.9% higher at Macalester College than at Soka University of America (about $29,376 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $38,728.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Soka University of America than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Soka University of America students ($42,766 vs. $39,373).

Macalester College vs. Soka University of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Macalester College or Soka University of America? 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 Soka University of America and Macalester College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 10 points higher than at Soka University of America (1420).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Soka University of America 1333/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Soka University of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Soka University of America Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Soka University of America (3.7).
• Soka University of America has a higher acceptance rate (43.4%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 45.8% at Soka University of America.

Macalester College vs. Soka University of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Soka University of America? 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).

• The graduation rate at Macalester College is the same as at Soka University of America (87% vs. 87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have a $382 lower median loan debt than Macalester College graduates ($22,288 vs. $22,670).
• Among borrowers, Soka University of America graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Macalester College graduates ($230 vs. $234).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Soka University of America 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.