Macalester College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Macalester College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Willamette 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 Willamette University than Macalester College ($29,421 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 2.4% lower than at Willamette University ($15,760 vs. $16,150).
• Macalester College is 33.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $16,948 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.1% higher at Macalester College than at Willamette University (about $16,948 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,766 vs. $38,080).

Macalester College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 90 points higher than at Willamette University (1340).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Willamette University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Macalester College (3.81).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Macalester College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Willamette 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Macalester College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $54,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $3,330 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($22,670 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 80%)

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.