Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+
Macalester College has a 28.2% acceptance rate. Macalester College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Saint Paul, MN, with a median SAT of 1440 and a median ACT of 32. The average net price is $32,149 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.
28.2%
8,099 applicants
1440
Combined score
32
Composite score
$32,149
After financial aid
Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Macalester College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (total, 400–1600) | 1350 | 1440 | 1510 |
| ACT (composite, 1–36) | 30 | 32 | 33 |
88.6%
92.3%
$63,878
2,131
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Macalester College:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $13,772 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $11,982 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $11,098 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $20,527 |
| $110,000+ | $44,880 |
| Major | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 98 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 66 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 62 |
| Psychology | 47 |
| Computer & Information Sciences | 39 |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | 36 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 30 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 27 |
| English Language & Literature | 23 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | 22 |
Official website: https://www.macalester.edu/
Admissions: https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/
Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 28%. it received about 8,099 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1440; the average net price is $32,149 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Macalester College for free using your GPA and test scores.
Getting into Macalester College is competitive — it admits 28% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1440. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Macalester College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically have a median SAT around 1440 and a median ACT around 32. With a 28% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.
The average net price at Macalester College is $32,149 per year after grants and scholarships. about 90% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $40,329 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 89%. its first-year retention rate is 92%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $63,878. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Macalester College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.
For the 2025–26 cycle, Macalester College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1440. With a 28% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Macalester College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.
Gambier, OH · 31% acceptance
Gainesville, FL · 24% acceptance
Saratoga Springs, NY · 23% acceptance
Gering, NE · 14% acceptance
Portland, OR · 27% acceptance
Worcester, MA · 21% acceptance
Northfield, MN · 22% acceptance
Northfield, MN · 52% acceptance
Minneapolis, MN · 48% acceptance
Moorhead, MN · 63% acceptance
Minneapolis, MN · 77% acceptance
Mankato, MN · 51% acceptance
All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools