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Macalester College vs Minnesota State University Moorhead

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN, and Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, MN. Macalester College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 59% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Minnesota State University Moorhead is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,997 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 56% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $50,527 for Minnesota State University Moorhead.

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Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Moorhead, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,131
3,072
Acceptance rate
29%
59%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
1080–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$17,997
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$25,197
In-state tuition
$68,104
$10,428
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$10,428
Application fee
$0
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$11,129
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$11,547
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$13,907
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$18,644
Over $110k
$44,880
$22,420
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
56%
Freshman retention
92%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$45,873
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$50,527
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$20,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
28%
First-generation students
13%
20%
International students
15%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Minnesota State University Moorhead harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 59% at Minnesota State University Moorhead. 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,997 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Before aid, Minnesota State University Moorhead costs about $25,197 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,129 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead?
Minnesota State University Moorhead is the larger of the two, with about 3,072 undergraduates against 2,131 at Macalester College.
Does Macalester College or Minnesota State University Moorhead have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 56% at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Do graduates of Macalester College or Minnesota State University Moorhead earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,527 for Minnesota State University Moorhead. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and Minnesota State University Moorhead require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Minnesota State University Moorhead is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and Minnesota State University Moorhead look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 1080–1290 at Minnesota State University Moorhead. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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