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Macalester College vs Southern Methodist 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
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
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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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Macalester College is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

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.