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Macalester College vs Saint Johns University

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN, and Saint Johns University is a private university in Collegeville, MN. Macalester College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% of applicants against 91% at Saint Johns University. Saint Johns University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,672 a year against $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 76% at Saint Johns University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Johns University alumni earn a median of about $76,786, against $63,878 for Macalester College.

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Saint Johns University

Collegeville, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Collegeville, MN
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,131
1,395
Acceptance rate
29%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
941–1228
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$25,672
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$68,521
In-state tuition
$68,104
$55,816
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$55,816
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$10,354
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$9,715
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$16,196
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$22,913
Over $110k
$44,880
$32,822
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
76%
Freshman retention
92%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$59,843
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$76,786
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
18%
First-generation students
13%
18%
International students
15%
3%
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 Saint Johns University harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 91% at Saint Johns 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, Macalester College or Saint Johns University?
Saint Johns University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,672 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 Saint Johns University?
Before aid, Saint Johns University costs about $68,521 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 Saint Johns University?
Saint Johns University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,354 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 Saint Johns University?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 1,395 at Saint Johns University.
Does Macalester College or Saint Johns University have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 76% at Saint Johns University.
Do graduates of Macalester College or Saint Johns University earn more?
Saint Johns University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,786 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,878 for Macalester College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and Saint Johns University require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Johns University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and Saint Johns University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 941–1228 at Saint Johns University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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