Northeastern University Oakland vs. Macalester College

Comparable Facts

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

Macalester College is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (2,138 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Macalester College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland or Macalester College? 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 Northeastern University Oakland than Macalester College ($27,473 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Macalester College are 19.5% lower than at Northeastern University Oakland ($15,760 vs. $19,580).
• Macalester College is 0.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern University Oakland (about $326 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at Macalester College than at Northeastern University Oakland (about $326 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Macalester College than at Northeastern University Oakland (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 35.5% larger than aid received by Macalester College students ($57,948 vs. $42,766).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Macalester College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland or Macalester College? 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 Macalester College and Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University Oakland (1470) is 40 points higher than at Macalester College (1430).
• Incoming Northeastern University Oakland students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Macalester College (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; Macalester College 1350/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; Macalester College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; Macalester College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• Macalester College has a higher acceptance rate (28.5%) than Northeastern University Oakland (16.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 21.9% at Macalester College.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. Macalester College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland and Macalester College? 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 Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $830 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($22,670 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($234 vs. $242).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 66%)

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.