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Macalester College vs Northwestern University

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

Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

2,138

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1350–1510

1510–1570

ACT Range

30–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

8,968

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$62,391

Room & Board

$15,760

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$89,363

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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $2,837 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.