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Macalester College vs Princeton 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
Princeton University
#4
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Princeton, NJ

Total Enrollment

2,138

9,137

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

5,813

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

4.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1350–1510

1510–1580

ACT Range

30–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$70

Total Applicants

8,968

40,468


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$77,660

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$10,555

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$57,410

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$57,410

Room & Board

$15,760

$20,250

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$68,727


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

98.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$110,066

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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Princeton is in Princeton, NJ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Princeton University is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $19,425 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Princeton University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Princeton University has a ratio of 5:1. Princeton 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 Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $110,066 for Princeton University graduates. Graduates from Princeton 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. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.