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Bethel University vs Macalester College

Bethel University is a private university in Saint Paul, 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 88% at Bethel University. Bethel University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,556 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 73% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $63,764 for Bethel University.

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,871
2,131
Acceptance rate
88%
29%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1300
1350–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
30–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,556
$32,149
Full cost / yr
$58,569
$82,991
In-state tuition
$44,226
$68,104
Out-of-state tuition
$44,226
$68,104
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,218
$13,772
$30k - $48k
$22,279
$11,982
$48k - $75k
$20,071
$11,098
$75k - $110k
$24,963
$20,527
Over $110k
$33,155
$44,880
Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
89%
Freshman retention
86%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,145
$46,244
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,764
$63,878
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
17%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
0%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 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 Bethel University or Macalester College harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 88% at Bethel 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, Bethel University or Macalester College?
Bethel University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,556 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 Bethel University and Macalester College?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $58,569 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, Bethel University or Macalester College?
Macalester College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,772 there, against about $22,218 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or Macalester College?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 1,871 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or Macalester College have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 73% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel 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 $63,764 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and Macalester College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel 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.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and Macalester College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1300 at Bethel University and 1350–1510 at Macalester College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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