College Comparison
Macalester College vs Williams College
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
Williamstown, MA
Total Enrollment
2,138
2,164
Undergrad Enrollment
2,138
2,115
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
28.5%
8.3%
Average GPA
4.00
3.90
SAT Range
1350–1510
1490–1570
ACT Range
30–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$65
Total Applicants
8,968
15,411
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$78,710
Avg Net Price
$29,980
$14,852
Tuition (In-State)
$62,270
$61,450
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,270
$61,450
Room & Board
$15,760
$17,260
% Receiving Aid
87.0%
54.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,766
$68,966
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,878
$88,665
More Comparisons
Compare Macalester with...
View Macalester profile →
Compare Williams with...
View Williams profile →
Explore by Location
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Williams is in Williamstown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Macalester College is $29,980 per year, compared to $14,852 at Williams College. Williams College is $15,128 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Macalester College typically score between 1350-1510 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Williams College, the typical SAT range is 1490-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%, while Williams College has a graduation rate of 94%. Williams College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Macalester College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Williams College has a ratio of 6:1. Williams 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 Williams College, 54% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,966.
The median earnings for Macalester College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,878, compared to $88,665 for Williams College graduates. Graduates from Williams 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. Williams College is located in Williamstown, MA in a town: fringe setting.

