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Macalester College vs Vanderbilt University

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

Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
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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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Vanderbilt University is more selective than Macalester College.

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.