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Macalester College vs University of Northwestern-St Paul

Macalester College is a private college in Saint Paul, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. Macalester College admits about 29% of applicants and University of Northwestern-St Paul about 93%, making Macalester College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $27,705 a year at University of Northwestern-St Paul after aid, and about $32,149 at Macalester College. About 89% of students graduate at Macalester College, compared with 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Ten years after enrolling, Macalester College alumni earn a median of about $63,878, against $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul.

Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,131
1,442
Acceptance rate
29%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1510
868–1271
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,149
$27,705
Full cost / yr
$82,991
$51,325
In-state tuition
$68,104
$37,920
Out-of-state tuition
$68,104
$37,920
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,772
$26,696
$30k - $48k
$11,982
$23,884
$48k - $75k
$11,098
$21,689
$75k - $110k
$20,527
$25,267
Over $110k
$44,880
$31,348
Outcomes
Graduation rate
89%
68%
Freshman retention
92%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,244
$47,544
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,878
$50,755
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$21,325
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
16%
First-generation students
13%
16%
International students
15%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Aug 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul harder to get into?
Macalester College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Northwestern-St Paul. 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
University of Northwestern-St Paul is cheaper on average. Students pay about $27,705 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Before aid, University of Northwestern-St Paul costs about $51,325 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 University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Macalester College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,772 there, against about $26,696 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Macalester College or University of Northwestern-St Paul?
Macalester College is the larger of the two, with about 2,131 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does Macalester College or University of Northwestern-St Paul have a better graduation rate?
Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 68% at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Do graduates of Macalester College or University of Northwestern-St Paul earn more?
Macalester College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,878 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,755 for University of Northwestern-St Paul. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Macalester College and University of Northwestern-St Paul require SAT or ACT scores?
Macalester College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northwestern-St Paul is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Macalester College and University of Northwestern-St Paul look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1510 at Macalester College and 868–1271 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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