What makes Macalester different
- A global campus. Students from 48 states and 111 countries, with an emphasis on global citizenship.
- A big metro at hand. Theaters, museums and 18 Fortune 500 companies offering internships nearby.
- Concentrations. Themed sets of courses across departments, often paired with internships or community research.
What Macalester students study
The most common bachelor's degrees (class of 2024): psychology (47), econometrics and quantitative economics (46), biology (43), computer and information sciences (39), political science (33) and mathematics (27). Source: IPEDS Completions, first majors only.
You may thrive at Macalester if…
- You want a small college in a big city.
- You care about global issues and civic engagement.
- You'd like internships during college.
Worth asking about
- How do students use the Twin Cities for internships?
- How do concentrations work alongside a major?
How Macalester compares with other liberal arts colleges
Macalester admitted 28.5% of applicants for fall 2024 and is the only college in this group in a major Midwestern city. See how these 20 liberal arts colleges compare.
FAQ
What is Macalester College's acceptance rate? 28.5% for fall 2024: 2,558 of 8,968 applicants were admitted.
Does Macalester have early decision? Yes. Macalester offers binding Early Decision I and II, plus non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision. Source
Does Macalester require the SAT or ACT? No. Macalester made test-optional admission permanent, with no disadvantage for admission or merit scholarships. This applies to students applying in 2026–27 for fall 2027. Source
Does Macalester charge out-of-state tuition? No. Macalester is private, so published tuition and fees are the same for students from any state: $68,104 a year before aid. About 62% of first-year students came from outside Minnesota.
How much is Macalester tuition per semester? About $34,052 a semester, half the published $68,104 a year, before aid.
How many students go to Macalester? About 2,100 undergraduates (fall 2024).
What is Macalester known for? Its international student body, civic engagement and Twin Cities location.
How much does Macalester cost? Published tuition and fees are $68,104 a year before aid, and the total cost of attendance is $82,991. Students who received aid paid $29,697 a year on average.
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