Macalester College is one of very few selective liberal arts and sciences colleges located in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Students at Mac live out the college mission of academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society by embracing interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. They are curious, highly motivated, serious about their academic pursuits, and supportive of each other being more likely to work together for collective academic success than to compete. Academic, social, spiritual, community, and professional endeavors are all amplified by Macalester’s location in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Macalester students come from more than 95 countries and all 50 states. More than 60% of students study abroad for 15 weeks or more, providing time for substantial experience and learning in another culture. The United Nations flag has flown over campus since 1950, a symbol of Macalester's commitment to world peace and understanding. Contributing to long-lasting friendships and a sense of community, there are over 100 student organizations available, which reflect the diverse interests of our students. Macalester has 19 varsity athletic teams as well as club and intramural sports. Most varsity teams compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Every Macalester student takes a First Year Course (FYC) in their first semester. Seminar-style FYCs are limited to 16 students and the professor is the academic advisor for each student in the class. FYCs set the stage for an academic journey based on small classes, individual attention, and collaboration.
Macalester College is a private, nonprofit institution in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. Macalester College was founded in 1874. The college currently enrolls around 2,247 students a year, including 2,247 undergraduate students.
It is very difficult to get into Macalester College. In 2022, Macalester College accepted 27% of applicants. In 2022, 9,046 students applied to Macalester College and 2,466 were admitted.
Macalester College Admissions Facts At-A-Glance | |
---|---|
Overall Acceptance Rate | 27% |
Early Decision Acceptance Rate | 49% |
Early Action Acceptance Rate | 58% |
Test Optional | Yes |
Applicants Submitting ACT scores | 58% |
Applicants Submitting SAT scores | 35% |
Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.
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Macalester College is locatedin the city of St. Paul, Minnesota,.
If you are interested in seeing Macalester College for yourself, plan a visit. The best way to reach campus is to take Interstate 94 to St. Paul, or book a flight to the nearest airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International.
You can also take a virtual campus tour to get a sense of what Macalester College and St. Paul are like without leaving home.
First-Year Applications are Due
Transfer Applications are Due
The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Macalester College is Jan 15.
The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Macalester College is Apr 15.
Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs
ACT Range
ACT Score
Estimated Chance
33 and Above
29 to 33
29 and Less
The median ACT score of an admitted student to Macalester College is 30. Students with an ACT score of 33 and above have a good chance of getting into Macalester College. Students with an ACT score that falls between 29 and 33 have an average chance of getting admitted, and students with an ACT score of 29 or below have a low chance of being offered admission.
Composite SAT Range
Math SAT Range
Reading SAT Range
SAT Score
Estimated Chance
1490 and Above
1360 to 1490
1360 and Less
The median SAT score for Macalester College students is 1356. Applicants with SAT scores of 1490 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Macalester College, while applicants with SAT scores between 1360 to 1490 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1360 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Macalester College.
Tuition & Fees
$77,123
In State$77,123
Out-of-StateWondering what life at Macalester College is like? There are approximately 2,244 students enrolled at Macalester College. 98% percent of students attend school full-time, 19% percent are from MN and 81% percent of students are from other states.
98%
Full Time2%
Part Time19%
In State81%
Out-of-StateData Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved
Total Enrollment
Campus Setting
Acceptance Rate
Tuition and Fees
In State
Out-of-State
Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline
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