Macalester College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

Washington and Lee University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Macalester College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Macalester College ($23,055 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 15.7% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($15,760 vs. $18,685).
• Macalester College is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $59 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Macalester College than at Washington and Lee University (about $59 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College than at Washington and Lee University (87% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 49.5% larger than aid received by Macalester College students ($63,945 vs. $42,766).

Macalester College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 60 points higher than at Macalester College (1430).
• Incoming Washington and Lee 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; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington and Lee students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Macalester College (3.81).
• Macalester College has a higher acceptance rate (28.5%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Macalester College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Macalester College's (87%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $34,900 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington and Lee University graduates have a $1,170 lower median loan debt than Macalester College graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,670).
• Among borrowers, Washington and Lee graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Macalester College graduates ($222 vs. $234).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington and Lee students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 88%)

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.