College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Macalester College vs University of Southern California

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 Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

2,138

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1350–1510

1450–1550

ACT Range

30–34

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$85

Total Applicants

8,968

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$63,468

Room & Board

$15,760

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$92,498

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means USC is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Macalester College is $6,020 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At USC, the typical SAT range is 1450-1550. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. USC 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 USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from USC 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. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.