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Macalester College vs University of Chicago

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
University of Chicago
#12
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Chicago, IL

Total Enrollment

2,138

18,566

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

7,598

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

4.5%

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

$75

Total Applicants

8,968

43,612


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$81,288

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$18,967

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$61,179

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$61,179

Room & Board

$15,760

$20,109

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

47.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$62,300


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

91.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$91,885

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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Chicago is in Chicago, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means University of Chicago is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $18,967 at University of Chicago. University of Chicago is $11,013 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At University of Chicago, 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 University of Chicago has a graduation rate of 96%. University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while University of Chicago has a ratio of 5:1. University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago, 47% of students receive aid with an average grant of $62,300.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $91,885 for University of Chicago graduates. Graduates from University of Chicago 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. University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL in a city: large setting.