Chances of Getting Into Macalester College
Saint Paul, Minnesota • Private University • #26 National • Founded 1874
Macalester Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Macalester SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Macalester College
Macalester College is a liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, distinguished by its internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement. With students from 90+ countries and a United Nations flag flying on campus, Macalester is one of the most globally oriented colleges in America.
Top Programs
What Makes Macalester Unique
- United Nations flag flies on campus — symbolizing global focus
- Students from 90+ countries
- Urban location in Saint Paul with Twin Cities access
- Civic engagement and social justice are core values
- Strong STEM despite liberal arts identity
Macalester Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Macalester Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Macalester: Admission Tips
Macalester ED acceptance rate (~55%) is generous
International perspective and multilingual skills are valued
Civic engagement and activism should feature in your application
Mention the Twin Cities urban advantage in your essays
Macalester is very generous with aid — 70% receive it
The Brutal Truth About Macalester Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 30% acceptance rate, Macalester rejected over 5,950 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Macalester, having a 3.78 GPA and 1420 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Macalester doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Macalester genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 30%-acceptance-rate basket.
Macalester Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Macalester College?
Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 30% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 8,500+ applicants, approximately 560 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Macalester?
The average GPA of admitted students at Macalester College is 3.78. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.63, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Macalester?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Macalester students is 1350-1490. The average SAT score is 1420. For ACT, the range is 31-34 with an average of 33.
Is Macalester hard to get into?
Yes, Macalester College is selective with an acceptance rate of just 30%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Macalester cost?
Tuition at Macalester College is $62,250 per year, with total cost of attendance at $78,600. However, 70% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $46,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Macalester?
Your chances of getting into Macalester College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 30% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Macalester?
Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.
Trusted by 65+ students. AI-powered. Takes 2 minutes.
Popular Majors at Macalester
Explore Your Chances by GPA
See which schools match your academic profile based on GPA alone.