| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1874
Location: Urban campus in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul
Enrollment: Around 2,000 undergraduate students
Motto: "Natura et Revelatio Coeli Gemini" (Nature and Revelation are twin sisters of heaven)
Macalester is highly regarded for its liberal arts curriculum, with notable strengths in:
International Studies
Political Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
Computer Science
Psychology
It encourages interdisciplinary learning and global citizenship. The student-to-faculty ratio is low (about 10:1), so classes are small and interactive.
One of the defining features of Macalester is its internationalism:
About 15–20% of students are international
It offers robust study abroad programs
There’s a strong emphasis on global issues and multiculturalism
Macalester has a vibrant, inclusive campus culture with over 100 student organizations
Socially and politically active student body
Known for sustainability initiatives and community engagement
Kofi Annan – Former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Danai Gurira – Actress and playwright (best known for The Walking Dead and Black Panther)
Walter Mondale – Former U.S. Vice President
Selective, with an acceptance rate around 30%
Test-optional policy
Holistic admissions review (academics, extracurriculars, essays, etc.)
Despite being in a smaller city, Macalester students benefit from access to both Minneapolis and Saint Paul — known as the "Twin Cities" — offering big-city opportunities for internships, art, music, and community engagement.
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
Geology
Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
Neuroscience
Physics and Astronomy
Anthropology
Economics
Educational Studies
Geography (one of the top undergrad programs in the U.S.)
International Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Classics
English
French and Francophone Studies
German and Russian Studies
History
Linguistics
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Spanish and Portuguese
Art and Art History
Dance
Media and Cultural Studies
Music
Theatre and Performance
Macalester encourages interdisciplinary learning, and many students take part in these programs:
African Studies
American Studies
Asian Studies
Cognitive Science
Community and Global Health
Data Science
Human Rights and Humanitarianism
International Development
Latin American Studies
Legal Studies
Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
Urban Studies
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Honors Program (for research-intensive study in the major)
Internships and Research Opportunities
Study Abroad (over 60% of students study internationally)
Collaborative research with faculty
Capstone projects in many majors
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Geology |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Physics and Astronomy |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Anthropology |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Educational Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Geography |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
International Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
English |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
History |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Linguistics |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Religious Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Art and Art History |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Dance |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Media and Cultural Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Music |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Theatre and Performance |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
French and Francophone Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
German and Russian Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Spanish and Portuguese |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Classics |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Asian Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Latin American Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
American Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Urban Studies |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Legal Studies (Interdisciplinary) |
4 years |
$65,340 |
|
Data Science (Interdisciplinary) |
4 years |
$65,340 |
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
International Student % |
~15–20% of the student body |
|
Total Enrollment |
~2,100 undergraduate students |
|
Countries Represented |
90+ |
|
Dedicated Support |
International Student Programs (ISP) office provides full support services |
|
Degree Offered |
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) only |
|
Language of Instruction |
English |
Small class sizes (10:1 student-faculty ratio)
Close professor-student mentorship
Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad
Strong in fields like International Studies, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Studies, and Computer Science
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Application Platforms |
Common App or QuestBridge |
|
Test Policy |
Test-optional (SAT/ACT not required) |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required (waived in some cases) |
|
Financial Aid Application |
CSS Profile or ISFAA (for aid applicants) |
|
Application Deadlines |
ED1: Nov 1, ED2: Jan 1, Regular: Jan 15 |
International Student Orientation
Advising for visa, work, and cultural adjustment
Cultural organizations (e.g., International Student Organization)
OPT/CPT Support for students planning to work in the U.S. post-graduation
Globally focused curriculum
Diverse and inclusive campus
Urban location (Saint Paul, part of the Twin Cities)
Strong alumni network and career services
Emphasis on civic engagement and global leadership
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose Application Type |
Macalester accepts: |
|
2. Select Admission Plan |
• Early Decision I (ED I) – Nov 1 deadline |
|
3. Submit Required Documents |
See below for a full list |
|
4. Interviews (Optional) |
Interviews are optional but encouraged (especially for international students) |
|
5. Await Admission Decision |
• ED I: Mid-December |
|
6. Confirm Enrollment |
Deadline: May 1 (for Regular Decision and ED II admits) |
For All Students |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Completed Application |
Common App (or QuestBridge if applicable) |
|
Application Fee |
$40 USD (can be waived) |
|
Official High School Transcript |
Including final 9th–12th grade marks |
|
School Report & Counselor Recommendation |
Submitted by your school via Common App |
|
Teacher Recommendation |
1–2 required |
|
Personal Essay |
Part of the Common App |
|
Standardized Tests |
Optional (SAT/ACT not required) |
|
English Proficiency Test |
Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) |
|
Financial Aid Forms (if applying for aid) |
CSS Profile or ISFAA (for internationals) |
You can apply for need-based financial aid, and Macalester will meet 100% of demonstrated need if admitted.
Macalester is need-aware for international applicants, meaning financial need may affect admission decisions.
All international students must provide proof of English proficiency, unless they meet waiver criteria (e.g., attended English-medium high school).
Macalester College has one main intake per year for undergraduate students:
Fall Semester (August start)
Admission Plan |
Application Deadline |
Decision Notification |
Enrollment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
Mid-January |
|
Early Decision II |
January 1 |
Early February |
March |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
Late March |
May 1 |
No Spring or Summer intake for new undergraduate students.
Macalester College has a holistic admission process, meaning they consider academic and non-academic factors.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Completion |
Must have completed secondary education (or equivalent to U.S. Grade 12) |
|
Strong Academic Record |
High grades expected, especially in core academic subjects |
|
Curriculum Rigor |
Honors, AP, IB, A-Levels, or national curriculum with advanced coursework |
Test |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional |
|
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo |
Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS 6.5+, DET 115+) |
You may be exempt if:
You attended a school for 3+ years where English is the primary language of instruction
You score high on SAT (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 650+) or ACT English section (27+)
Ranking Agency |
Category |
Macalester Ranking/Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not ranked globally (primarily ranks large research universities) |
Not Applicable |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
National Liberal Arts Colleges |
Ranked in Top 30 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Undergraduate Teaching |
Ranked among Top 10 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Value Schools (Liberal Arts) |
Ranked among Top 10 |
|
Forbes |
Top Colleges in the U.S. |
Ranked in the Top 100 overall |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Liberal Arts Colleges (not a main focus) |
Typically not ranked by THE |
|
Niche.com |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America |
Rated A+ and ranked in the Top 25 |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Eligibility |
Award Amount (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Macalester Merit Scholarships |
Merit-based |
All applicants automatically considered |
$5,000 – Full Tuition |
No separate application needed |
|
DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholar Award |
Merit-based |
Top academic achievers |
Up to full tuition |
Very competitive; based on academics, leadership, and character |
|
Macalester International Student Scholarships |
Need-based |
International students with demonstrated need |
(up to full need met) |
Must submit CSS Profile or ISFAA |
|
National Merit Scholarship |
Merit-based |
U.S. Finalists listing Macalester as first choice |
$2,000 – $5,000/year |
Can be combined with other awards |
|
Fine Arts Scholarships |
Talent-based |
Students in Music, Theater, or Art |
(~$1,000–$5,000/year) |
Requires audition or portfolio |
|
Wallin Education Partners Scholarship |
Need + Merit-based |
Selected MN high school students |
Up to $16,000 over 4 years |
Based on partnership with local high schools |
|
Bonner Scholars Program |
Need + Service-based |
U.S. students with financial need, strong service commitment |
Full need met + $3,000/year |
Includes community service commitment |
Facility / Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Size |
53 acres, urban campus in Saint Paul, Minnesota |
|
Housing Type |
On-campus residence halls, theme houses, language houses, apartments |
|
Housing Requirement |
Mandatory for first- and second-year students |
|
Number of Residence Halls |
10+ residence halls and specialty housing options |
|
Room Types |
Singles, doubles, triples, suites |
|
Accommodation Style |
Traditional dorms, suite-style housing, and small community-style houses |
|
Specialty Housing Options |
Language Houses, Eco House, Cultural House, Veggie Co-op |
|
Dining Services |
Full meal plans available via Café Mac |
|
Laundry & Utilities |
Included in housing fees |
|
Security & Access |
24/7 campus security, keycard access, RA supervision |
Cost Item |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Housing (Room) |
$7,862 – $9,142 |
|
Meal Plan |
$6,510 – $7,350 |
|
Total Room & Board |
~$14,000 – $16,500/year |
Costs vary slightly depending on room type and chosen meal plan.
All housing includes internet, utilities, and access to laundry and shared facilities.
Macalester has students from over 90 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse liberal arts colleges in the U.S. This global mix fosters a rich cultural environment where international perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Life at Macalester is intellectually engaging. Classes are small and discussion-based, with professors who genuinely invest in their students. There’s a strong emphasis on critical thinking, social justice, and interdisciplinary learning. Many students do research with faculty or participate in internships in the Twin Cities.
Living on campus is a big part of student life, especially in the first two years. The residence halls are known for their tight-knit communities, and there are themed houses like the Eco House, Cultural House, and Language Houses that help students live out their values in a supportive setting.
There are over 100 student-run organizations covering everything from cultural groups and identity-based orgs to academic clubs, arts, politics, and activism. Whether you're into music, Model UN, coding, hiking, or social justice, there’s something for you. Students often create their own clubs too.
The arts are huge at Macalester. Students are actively involved in theater productions, dance groups, a cappella ensembles, visual arts, and film. The campus regularly hosts exhibits, performances, and student showcases.
Macalester competes in NCAA Division III. Popular sports include soccer, cross country, swimming, and track & field. For those less into competition, intramurals and recreational sports are big, and there’s a fitness center open to all students.
Students at Macalester are known for being socially conscious and politically engaged. Activism around climate justice, racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and more is very present, and the college actively supports civic engagement.
There’s strong support for student well-being—mental health counseling, academic advising, identity-based centers (like the Department of Multicultural Life), and the International Student Programs office all help students feel at home.
Being in Saint Paul (next to Minneapolis), Macalester students benefit from access to arts, music, food, internships, and community organizations in a big metro area—all while enjoying the safety and charm of a residential neighborhood.
Macalester consistently reports high placement rates within 6–12 months after graduation:
93–95% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, or involved in service programs (like Peace Corps or Teach for America) within 6 months of graduating.
Students enter careers in technology, finance, government, education, health, non-profits, and more.
Many go on to top graduate programs at universities like Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Columbia, and Yale.
Macalester has a dedicated Career Exploration Center that provides:
1-on-1 career coaching
Resume and cover letter help
Mock interviews
Internship search support
Access to alumni and professional networks
Job and internship fairs (on campus and virtually)
Students also get access to Handshake, a job portal connecting them to employers across the U.S.
Over 80% of students complete at least one internship, often during the academic year thanks to Macalester’s urban location. Many students intern at:
Fortune 500 companies (e.g., 3M, Target, General Mills)
NGOs and non-profits
Government and policy organizations
Media outlets and tech startups
Hospitals and public health orgs
The Macalester Internship Program allows students to earn academic credit for internships.
Deloitte
Peace Corps
United Nations
Mayo Clinic
AmeriCorps
Microsoft
U.S. State Department
Harvard University
World Bank
Macalester alumni are frequently accepted into prestigious grad programs, including:
Harvard
Stanford
MIT
Oxford
Yale
Columbia
University of Chicago
UC Berkeley
Fields include law, medicine, data science, public policy, education, international relations, and more.
Many Macalester grads also pursue social impact careers or global service opportunities like:
Fulbright Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarships
Teach for America
Luce Scholars
Truman Fellows
The acceptance rate of Macalester College, USA, is approximately 28–31%.
Selectivity: Highly selective
Acceptance Rate: ~28% (varies slightly by year and application round)
Early Decision Acceptance Rate: Typically higher than Regular Decision (~35–45%), as it's a binding commitment
International Student Acceptance Rate: Slightly lower due to competitive financial aid consideration
Macalester receives over 7,000 applications each year and admits fewer than 2,200. Its admissions process is holistic, considering academics, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and character.
Although competitive, Macalester is very accessible to strong students, especially those who show:
Global awareness
Academic curiosity
Commitment to community and leadership
Fit with a liberal arts, socially conscious education
Address:
Macalester College
1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105
United States
Neighborhood: Mac-Groveland (a safe, residential, and student-friendly area)
Region: Upper Midwest of the United States
Twin Cities Area: Macalester is in Saint Paul, one of the Twin Cities, alongside Minneapolis. This gives students access to a large metro area with internships, arts, music, culture, and global companies.
Nearby Landmarks:
15 minutes from downtown Saint Paul
20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis
10–15 minutes from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
