College Comparison
Macalester College vs Southern Methodist 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
Dallas, TX
Total Enrollment
2,138
12,116
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
7,285
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
63.4%
Average GPA
4.00
3.66
SAT Range
1350–1510
1340–1490
ACT Range
30–34
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$60
Total Applicants
8,968
15,245
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$74,076
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$41,778
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$55,012
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$55,012
Room & Board
$15,760
$19,064
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$37,520
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
82.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
75.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
91.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$78,354
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Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Macalester College is $11,798 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. 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 Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Southern Methodist 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. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.

