Macalester College
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105-1899
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for biology — outstanding completion rates
Macalester College is a private institution in Saint Paul with particular strength in biology and computer science. With an average SAT of 1424, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
90% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,878 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,980.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Scots
History & Fun Facts
- •History Macalester College was founded by Edward Duffield Neill in 1874 with help from the Presbyterian Church in Minnesota.
- •Neill had served as a chaplain in the American Civil War and traveled to Minnesota Territory in 1849.
- •He went on to found two local churches, was appointed the first Chancellor of the University of Minnesota, and became the state's first superintendent of public education.
- •After a large donation from Charles Macalester, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Philadelphia, the institution was renamed Macalester College.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1424
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
63.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (37)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MN state average + large city premium