College Comparison
Macalester College vs Washington University in St Louis
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
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
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

