Macalester College
Liberal arts college · Saint Paul, MN · 2,131 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
29%
Selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
Average net price
$27,851
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$86,134
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
91%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Macalester College?
Macalester College accepts about 29 of every 100 applicants (29%), which makes it selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1350 and 1510 on the SAT. A score at or above 1510 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1350, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 30–34.
The latest federal data says Macalester College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Macalester College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Macalester College cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $86,134 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $27,851 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $70,862 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$70,862
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$70,862
- Room & board$16,966
- Total cost of attendance$86,134
- Average net price after grants$27,851
Popular majors
Social Sciences, Biology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Physical Sciences.
Macalester College FAQ
- What is Macalester College's acceptance rate?
- 29% — selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Macalester College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1350–1510. Aim for 1510 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Macalester College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 30–34.
- Is Macalester College test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Macalester College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Macalester College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Macalester College cost?
- About $86,134 a year before aid; $27,851 on average after grants.
- What is Macalester College's FAFSA school code?
- 002358. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Macalester College receives your information.
- What is Macalester College's graduation rate?
- 91% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Macalester College
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown CollegeSaint Bonifacius, MN | 23% | — | $25,963 | 47% |
| Carleton CollegeNorthfield, MN | 20% | 1450–1560 | $25,295 | 89% |
| Bethany Lutheran CollegeMankato, MN | 39% | 1040–1180 | $21,589 | 58% |
| University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA | 29% | — | $13,866 | 87% |
| Bucknell UniversityLewisburg, PA | 29% | 1310–1470 | $50,021 | 85% |
| Mississippi Christian UniversityClinton, MS | 29% | — | $21,034 | 64% |