College Comparison
Macalester College vs Stanford 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
Stanford, CA
Total Enrollment
2,138
18,625
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
7,904
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
3.6%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1350–1510
1510–1580
ACT Range
30–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$90
Total Applicants
8,968
57,326
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$79,018
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$26,000
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$57,693
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$57,693
Room & Board
$15,760
$21,325
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
61.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$62,755
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
96.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
78.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$124,080
More Comparisons
Compare Macalester with...
View Macalester profile →
Compare Stanford with...
View Stanford profile →
Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Stanford is in Stanford, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $26,000 at Stanford University. Stanford University is $3,980 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Stanford 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 Stanford University has a graduation rate of 96%. Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Stanford University has a ratio of 6:1. Stanford 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 Stanford University, 61% of students receive aid with an average grant of $62,755.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $124,080 for Stanford University graduates. Graduates from Stanford 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. Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA in a suburb: large setting.

