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Bemidji State University vs Macalester College

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN, and Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN. Macalester College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 56% at Bemidji State University. Bemidji State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,261 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 51% at Bemidji State University. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $53,755 for Bemidji State University.

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Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN · Public

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bemidji, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,139
2,131
Acceptance rate
56%
29%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.6–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1350–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,261
$32,149
Full cost / yr
$22,744
$82,991
In-state tuition
$10,237
$68,104
Out-of-state tuition
$10,237
$68,104
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,073
$13,772
$30k - $48k
$10,207
$11,982
$48k - $75k
$12,201
$11,098
$75k - $110k
$15,857
$20,527
Over $110k
$19,940
$44,880
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
89%
Freshman retention
73%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,469
$46,244
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,755
$63,878
Median debt at graduation
$19,750
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
17%
First-generation students
27%
13%
International students
2%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Aug 25
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bemidji State University or Macalester College harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 56% at Bemidji State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bemidji State University or Macalester College?
Bemidji State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,261 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,149 at Macalester College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bemidji State University and Macalester College?
Before aid, Bemidji State University costs about $22,744 a year and Macalester College about $82,991. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bemidji State University or Macalester College?
Bemidji State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,073 there, against about $13,772 at Macalester College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bemidji State University or Macalester College?
Bemidji State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,139 undergraduates against 2,131 at Macalester College.
Does Bemidji State University or Macalester College have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 51% at Bemidji State University.
Do graduates of Bemidji State University or Macalester College earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,755 for Bemidji State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bemidji State University and Macalester College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bemidji State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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