College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Boston College vs Macalester College

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston College
#42
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Private
Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chestnut Hill, MA

Saint Paul, MN

Total Enrollment

15,432

2,138

Undergrad Enrollment

10,314

2,138

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

10:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

16.4%

28.5%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1440–1540

1350–1510

ACT Range

33–35

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$0

Total Applicants

35,037

8,968


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,866

$78,030

Avg Net Price

$39,866

$29,980

Tuition (In-State)

$62,950

$62,270

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,950

$62,270

Room & Board

$18,916

$15,760

% Receiving Aid

40.0%

87.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,971

$42,766


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

90.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

86.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

92.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$103,937

$63,878

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA

Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%, while Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%. This means Boston College is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Macalester College is $9,886 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Macalester College, the typical SAT range is 1350-1510. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Boston College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Macalester College has a ratio of 10:1. Macalester College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston College, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,971. At Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.

The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College graduates. Graduates from Boston College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA in a city: small setting. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting.