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Macalester College vs University of Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

2,138

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1350–1510

1510–1570

ACT Range

30–34

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

8,968

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$56,212

Room & Board

$15,760

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$111,371

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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Penn is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Macalester College is $1,249 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Penn 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 Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $111,371 for Penn graduates. Graduates from Penn 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. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.