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College Comparison

Boston University vs Macalester College

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

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Saint Paul, MN

Total Enrollment

37,737

2,138

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

2,138

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

10:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

28.5%

Average GPA

3.79

4.00

SAT Range

1420–1530

1350–1510

ACT Range

32–34

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$0

Total Applicants

78,769

8,968


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$78,030

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$29,980

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$62,270

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$62,270

Room & Board

$19,020

$15,760

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

87.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$42,766


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

90.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

86.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

92.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$63,878

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Boston is in Boston, MA

Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%. This means Boston University is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Boston University is $2,984 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 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 University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University 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 University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College graduates. Graduates from Boston University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

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