Macalester College

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
73.2
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
63.7
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
82.7
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
28%
Percent Admitted
88%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,175
Enrollment
10.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$39,942
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$62,500
In-State Tuition and Fees
$62,500
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Religious Affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)

Macalester College, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a private, coeducational liberal arts institution. Established in 1874 as a Presbyterian-affiliated but nonsectarian college, Macalester was founded by Rev. Edward Duffield Niell, a chaplain during the Civil War who held three positions in three United States presidential administrations.

Macalester has been named #7 in the nation for its strong commitment to teaching and school’s mission is to be a preeminent liberal arts college whose educational program is known for its high standard of scholarships and emphasis on “internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society.” Nestled in a beautiful residential neighborhood, Macalester’s campus is located minutes outside of downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, providing students with a wealth of opportunities for internships in business, finance, medicine, government, law, the arts and more.

Academic Programs

Macalester offers nearly 40 undergraduate majors through its 30+ academic departments. The average class size consists of less than 20 students and Macalester offers more than 60 areas of study, including: American Studies; Anthropology; Asian Languages and Cultures; Biochemistry; Classics; Community and Global Health; Computer Science; Educational Studies; Engineering 3-2 cooperative program; Environmental Studies; Human Rights and Humanitarianism; International Development; Legal Studies Program; Media and Cultural Studies; Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Civilization; Pre-Law; Pre-Medicine; Psychology; Theatre; and Urban Studies.

Macalester boasts a wealth of resources that are available for students’ use, including specialized laboratories and museum collections. Many students undertake research projects that make real contributions in their fields of discipline. In the past several years, Macalester students have received an impressive list of Rhodes scholarships, Fulbright-Hays awards, National Science Foundation Fellowships, and Thomas J. Watson Fellowships. Volunteer work is also heartily encouraged at Macalester and approximately 50% of students volunteer each semester, many of whom serve as active volunteers in the Twin Cities urban community.

Student Life

than 2,000 students are enrolled at Macalester, representing over 90 foreign nations, nearly all 50 states, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico. Nearly a fourth of Macalester’s students identify themselves as students of color and more than 12% are citizens of another country. Residential community life is an important aspect of Macalester’s education and all first-year and sophomore students are required to live on campus while nearly half of all junior and senior class students choose to remain on campus for all four-years.

Over 90 student organizations thrive on Macalester’s campus, catering to a wide range of interests and activities. There are three student publications – The Mac Weekly, The Changer, and The Words, – nearly 20 musical performance ensembles, and a large population of students involved in theatre productions on campus. As an NCAA Division III school, Macalester sponsors approximately 20 varsity sports and more than five club sports with over 1,000 intramural participants.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?