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College Comparison

Macalester College vs Wheaton College

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

Macalester College
#86
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
Private
Wheaton College
#159
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Saint Paul, MN

Wheaton, IL

Total Enrollment

2,138

2,874

Undergrad Enrollment

2,138

2,150

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

10:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

28.5%

87.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.90

SAT Range

1350–1510

1260–1470

ACT Range

30–34

28–32

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$50

Total Applicants

8,968

2,040


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$55,000

Avg Net Price

$29,980

$26,984

Tuition (In-State)

$62,270

$41,990

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,270

$41,990

Room & Board

$15,760

$13,010

% Receiving Aid

87.0%

98.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$42,766

$27,987


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

86.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

92.0%

93.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$63,878

$63,756

Explore by Location

Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN

Wheaton is in Wheaton, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 29%, while Wheaton College has an acceptance rate of 87%. This means Macalester College is more selective than Wheaton College.

The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $26,984 at Wheaton College. Wheaton College is $2,996 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Wheaton College, the typical SAT range is 1260-1470. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Wheaton College has a graduation rate of 89%. Macalester College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Wheaton College has a ratio of 10:1. Wheaton College 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 Wheaton College, 98% of students receive aid with an average grant of $27,987.

The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $63,756 for Wheaton College graduates. Graduates from Macalester College 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. Wheaton College is located in Wheaton, IL in a suburb: large setting.