Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
| Online | macalester.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Macalester College is situated in a residential neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, approximately three miles from downtown Saint Paul and five miles from Minneapolis. The 53-acre urban campus features a mix of historic stone buildings and modern facilities surrounding a central lawn area, with the notable Old Main building serving as a campus landmark since 1887. Established as a Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts institution in 1874, Macalester maintains a selective admission process and is recognized for its strong programs in international studies, political science, and natural sciences. The college requires students to live on campus for their first two years, with most upper-level students choosing to remain in campus housing or nearby residential areas. Macalester emphasizes global perspectives in its curriculum, with a significant international student population and particularly strong connections to the United Nations and diplomatic organizations through its political science department.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Macalester College is rated within the top 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Macalester College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#97 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#84 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Minnesota
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Minnesota
#140 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Value Colleges in Minnesota
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1340/1500 |
| ACT | 30/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.81 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | High |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $853 |
| Other Fees | $230 |
| Room and Board | $14,000 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,547 |
| Total One Year Cost | $78,900 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 27% |
| Foreign Languages | 10% |
| General Studies | 8% |
| Mathematics | 6% |
| Biology | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Macalester College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=173902 IPEDS survey data for Macalester College.
Current students may use the Macalester College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024