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Macalester College vs Washington University in St Louis

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

Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
Washington University in St Louis
#15
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Saint Louis, MO

Total Enrollment

2,138

16,357

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

8,220

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

12.1%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1350–1510

1500–1570

ACT Range

30–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

8,968

32,754


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$81,274

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$22,117

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$59,420

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$59,420

Room & Board

$15,760

$21,854

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

49.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$66,080


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

92.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

95.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$86,182

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Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Washington University in St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. This means Washington University in St Louis is more selective than Macalester College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $7,863 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, 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 Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.