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Macalester College vs St Catherine University

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN. St Catherine University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Macalester College admits about 29% of applicants and St Catherine University about 92%, making Macalester College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,764 a year at St Catherine University after aid, and about $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 63% at St Catherine University. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $59,282 for St Catherine University.

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,131
2,473
Acceptance rate
29%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.12–3.62
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
850–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$19,764
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$60,476
In-state tuition
$68,104
$51,454
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$51,454
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$17,890
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$15,190
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$15,451
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$19,376
Over $110k
$44,880
$27,021
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
63%
Freshman retention
92%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$52,795
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$59,282
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$24,181
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
40%
First-generation students
13%
29%
International students
15%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jun 1

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 St Catherine University harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 92% at St Catherine 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 St Catherine University?
St Catherine University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,764 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 St Catherine University?
Before aid, St Catherine University costs about $60,476 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 St Catherine University?
Macalester College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,772 there, against about $17,890 at St Catherine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Macalester College or St Catherine University?
St Catherine University is the larger of the two, with about 2,473 undergraduates against 2,131 at Macalester College.
Does Macalester College or St Catherine University have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 63% at St Catherine University.
Do graduates of Macalester College or St Catherine University earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,282 for St Catherine University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and St Catherine University require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Catherine University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and St Catherine University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 850–1140 at St Catherine University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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