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Macalester College vs Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a private university in Winona, MN. Macalester College admits about 29% of applicants and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota about 93%, making Macalester College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,704 a year at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota after aid, and about $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 67% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $58,170 for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Winona, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,131
1,073
Acceptance rate
29%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
1030–1196
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$11,704
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$57,380
In-state tuition
$68,104
$45,080
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$45,080
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$16,182
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$15,175
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$15,030
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$14,771
Over $110k
$44,880
$6,135
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
67%
Freshman retention
92%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$54,549
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$58,170
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
25%
First-generation students
13%
26%
International students
15%
2%
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 Mary's University of Minnesota harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 93% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. 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 Mary's University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,704 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 Mary's University of Minnesota?
Before aid, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota costs about $57,380 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 Mary's University of Minnesota?
Macalester College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,772 there, against about $16,182 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Macalester College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 1,073 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Does Macalester College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 67% at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Do graduates of Macalester College or Saint Mary's University of Minnesota earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,170 for Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 1030–1196 at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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