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Macalester College vs College of Saint Benedict

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN. College of Saint Benedict is a private college in Saint Joseph, MN. Macalester College admits about 29% of applicants and College of Saint Benedict about 92%, making Macalester College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $26,640 a year at College of Saint Benedict after aid, and about $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 80% at College of Saint Benedict. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $63,260 for College of Saint Benedict.

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

College of Saint Benedict

Saint Joseph, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Joseph, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,131
1,370
Acceptance rate
29%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.25–3.75
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
1048–1233
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$26,640
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$68,453
In-state tuition
$68,104
$55,756
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$55,756
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$12,981
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$14,791
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$20,378
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$24,039
Over $110k
$44,880
$33,660
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
80%
Freshman retention
92%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$54,567
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$63,260
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$26,944
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
20%
First-generation students
13%
21%
International students
15%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 92% at College of Saint Benedict. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict?
College of Saint Benedict is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,640 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 Macalester College and College of Saint Benedict?
Before aid, College of Saint Benedict costs about $68,453 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, Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict?
College of Saint Benedict. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,981 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, Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 1,370 at College of Saint Benedict.
Does Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 80% at College of Saint Benedict.
Do graduates of Macalester College or College of Saint Benedict earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,260 for College of Saint Benedict. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and College of Saint Benedict require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of Saint Benedict is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and College of Saint Benedict look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 1048–1233 at College of Saint Benedict. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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