College Comparison
Macalester College vs Vanderbilt 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
Nashville, TN
Total Enrollment
2,138
13,575
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
7,221
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
5.9%
Average GPA
4.00
3.93
SAT Range
1350–1510
1500–1570
ACT Range
30–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$50
Total Applicants
8,968
45,409
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$80,184
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$19,040
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$58,130
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$58,130
Room & Board
$15,760
$22,054
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$64,404
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$91,565
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Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $10,940 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Vanderbilt University has a ratio of 8:1. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.

