College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Macalester College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Saint Paul, MN
Total Enrollment
15,888
2,138
Undergrad Enrollment
7,377
2,138
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
10:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
28.5%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1500–1570
1350–1510
ACT Range
34–35
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$0
Total Applicants
33,941
8,968
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$78,030
Avg Net Price
$31,671
$29,980
Tuition (In-State)
$59,864
$62,270
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,864
$62,270
Room & Board
$18,166
$15,760
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
87.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$48,107
$42,766
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
92.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$114,862
$63,878
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Explore by Location
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Macalester College is $1,691 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University typically score between 1500-1570 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.
Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Macalester College has a ratio of 10:1. Carnegie Mellon University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $48,107. At Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.
The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College graduates. Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting.

