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Colleges / MN / Saint Paul
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Macalester College

Private nonprofit Saint Paul, MN · Urban · Plains · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$63,878
Earnings (10yr)
$32,149
Net Price
29%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 29%, Macalester College attracts a diverse group of students who are eager to engage deeply in their studies. It’s an ideal fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Visual & Performing Arts. The college's commitment to a liberal arts education means that students often explore interdisciplinary approaches, allowing them to connect ideas across different subjects.

Life after graduation looks promising, with a 10-year post-graduation earnings average of $63,878. This figure speaks to the value of a Macalester degree in the job market, suggesting graduates find solid opportunities and growth potential. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some level of financial need among the student body, the overall economic mobility rates provide a glimpse into how well students can advance their circumstances after completing their education.

Financially, the net price after aid stands at $32,149, and the median debt for graduates is $23,000. This manageable debt load, coupled with strong earning potential, suggests that students who thrive here are likely those who take advantage of the college's resources and community. Macalester's environment encourages collaboration and critical thinking, making it a great choice for motivated students ready to tackle their future.

Rankings

How Macalester Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$64KNet Price$32KRetention92%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate17%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$14K$0-30K$12K$30-48K$11K$48-75K$45K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%476.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2928.7%MOBILITY139.42%

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,104
In-State Tuition
$68,104
Out-of-State
$32,149
Avg Net Price
$23,000
Median Debt
17%
Pell Grant Rate
36%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$13,772
Family Income $0–$30K
$11,982
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,098
Family Income $48K–$75K
$44,880
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$46,244
6 Years After Entry
$57,106
8 Years
$63,878
10 Years
0.36x
Debt-to-Earnings
59%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$46,244 6yr $57,106 8yr $63,878 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

139.42%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2928.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
476.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$115,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.76
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
18.4%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.634%
Inventor Rate
6
Total Patents

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 29%
Retention Rate 92%
SAT Average 1440
ACT Midpoint 31
SAT Range 1350–1510
ACT Range 30–34
Full-Time Faculty 84%
Faculty Salary (mo) $11,951
Diversity Index 0.70
First-Gen Students 13%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 19%
Biology & Biomedical 13%
Psychology 9%
Computer Science & IT 8%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
Mathematics & Statistics 5%
English & Literature 4%
Physical Sciences 4%