Macalester College vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

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

Macalester College is larger than Viterbo based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 2,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Macalester College vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University than Macalester College ($21,933 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 28.2% lower than at Macalester College ($11,320 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 98.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $33,854 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.8% higher at Macalester College than at Viterbo University (about $33,854 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Viterbo University than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($42,766 vs. $23,573).

Macalester College vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 220 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

Macalester College vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $4,330 lower median loan debt than Viterbo graduates ($22,670 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Viterbo graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 68%)

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.