Macalester College

9/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Saint Paul, MN
5.0 1 review

#2 Best Colleges in Minnesota

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,138

Location Saint Paul, Minnesota
Website macalester.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City
Religious Affiliation Presbyterian Church (USA)

Best Colleges Rank

#97

Size Small
Status Non-profit
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.

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Ratings

Macalester College is rated within the top 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10.

Overall Rating

9 out of 10
Academics

10 out of 10
Resources

10 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Macalester College within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Elite

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1350/1510
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 30/34

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

Applications Due Jan 15, 2027
Enrollment Rate 21.9%
Application Fee $0

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$68,104

Costs for Macalester College
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$68,104
Books and Supplies		$0
Other Fees		$230
Room and Board		$15,760
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,270
Total One Year Cost		$86,364

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$54,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

87% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Macalester College are Social Sciences, Foreign Languages, and General Studies. 27% of students major in Social Sciences, 10% in Foreign Languages, and 8% in General Studies.