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Bethany Lutheran College vs Macalester College

Bethany Lutheran College is a private college in Mankato, 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 39% at Bethany Lutheran College. Bethany Lutheran College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,148 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 57% at Bethany Lutheran College. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College.

Bethany Lutheran College

Mankato, MN · Private

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mankato, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
669
2,131
Acceptance rate
39%
29%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1180
1350–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
21–26
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,148
$32,149
Full cost / yr
$41,013
$82,991
In-state tuition
$31,360
$68,104
Out-of-state tuition
$31,360
$68,104
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,571
$13,772
$30k - $48k
$16,564
$11,982
$48k - $75k
$17,233
$11,098
$75k - $110k
$20,099
$20,527
Over $110k
$24,961
$44,880
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
89%
Freshman retention
72%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,652
$46,244
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,110
$63,878
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
17%
First-generation students
Not reported
13%
International students
20%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 25
Nov 1
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 39% at Bethany Lutheran College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College?
Bethany Lutheran College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,148 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 Bethany Lutheran College and Macalester College?
Before aid, Bethany Lutheran College costs about $41,013 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, Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College?
Bethany Lutheran College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,571 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, Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 669 at Bethany Lutheran College.
Does Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 57% at Bethany Lutheran College.
Do graduates of Bethany Lutheran College or Macalester College earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,110 for Bethany Lutheran College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethany Lutheran College and Macalester College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethany Lutheran College 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.
What SAT scores do Bethany Lutheran College and Macalester College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1180 at Bethany Lutheran College and 1350–1510 at Macalester College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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