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Cornell University vs Macalester College

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

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Saint Paul, MN

Total Enrollment

26,793

2,138

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

2,138

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

10:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

28.5%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1350–1510

ACT Range

33–35

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$0

Total Applicants

62,993

8,968


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$78,030

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$29,980

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$62,270

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$62,270

Room & Board

$19,428

$15,760

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

87.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$42,766


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

90.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

86.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

92.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$63,878

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Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%. This means Cornell University is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Macalester College is $2,357 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell 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.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Macalester College has a ratio of 10:1. Cornell University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College graduates. Graduates from Cornell University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting.