College Comparison
Macalester College vs Northeastern University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Boston, MA
Total Enrollment
2,138
32,553
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
17,432
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
5.2%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1350–1510
1440–1540
ACT Range
30–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$75
Total Applicants
8,968
98,425
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$78,680
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$32,116
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$59,100
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$59,100
Room & Board
$15,760
$19,580
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
66.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$50,421
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
35.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$92,538
More Comparisons
Compare Macalester with...
View Macalester profile →
Compare Northeastern with...
View Northeastern profile →
Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Northeastern is in Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $32,116 at Northeastern University. Macalester College is $2,136 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northeastern University, the typical SAT range is 1440-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Northeastern University has a graduation rate of 90%. Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Northeastern University has a ratio of 16:1. Macalester College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Macalester College, 87% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $42,766. At Northeastern University, 66% of students receive aid with an average grant of $50,421.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $92,538 for Northeastern University graduates. Graduates from Northeastern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting. Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting.

