College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York 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
New York, NY
Saint Paul, MN
Total Enrollment
35,173
2,138
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
2,138
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
10:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
28.5%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1510–1580
1350–1510
ACT Range
34–35
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$0
Total Applicants
60,115
8,968
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$78,030
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$29,980
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$62,270
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$62,270
Room & Board
$17,580
$15,760
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
87.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$42,766
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
92.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$63,878
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Columbia University in the City of New York is $7,980 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically score between 1510-1580 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.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Macalester College has a ratio of 10:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $67,010. At Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting.

