College Comparison
Macalester College vs Swarthmore College
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
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
2,138
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
7.5%
Average GPA
4.00
3.93
SAT Range
1350–1510
1490–1560
ACT Range
30–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$60
Total Applicants
8,968
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$58,928
Room & Board
$15,760
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$80,257
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Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $11,294 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Swarthmore College, the typical SAT range is 1490-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Swarthmore College has a ratio of 7:1. Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Swarthmore College 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. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.