Macalester College
St. Paul, Minnesota
About Macalester College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1874, Macalester College is a 4-year college serving students in St. Paul, Minnesota. With a tradition of academic excellence, Macalester College prepares graduates for success in Social Sciences, Biology, Computer Science, and more.
A Diverse Community in St. Paul
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. With a 10:01 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Macalester College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $12,877, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-blind policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Macalester College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Macalester College students
| Graduation rate (within 6 years) | 87% |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (within 4 years) | 74% |
| First-year retention rate | 95% |
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $57,106 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $63,878 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Macalester College
| Total enrollment | 2,144 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 2,144 |
| International students | 15% |
| First-generation students | 13% |
What you can study at Macalester College
42 programs, most of them in these fields:
Foreign Languages (8)
Chinese Language and Literature, Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General, French Language and Literature, and more
Area Ethnic Cultural Gender Group Studies (5)
Asian Studies/Civilization, Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, International/Globalization Studies, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (5)
Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other, and more
Social Sciences (4)
Anthropology, General, Geography, Political Science and Government, General, and more
Physical Sciences (3)
Chemistry, General, Geology/Earth Science, General, Physics, General
Biological and Biomedical Sciences (2)
Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Neuroscience
Computer Information Sciences (2)
Computational Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General
English Language and Literature (2)
Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, General
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