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Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

2,131
Total Students
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$30K
Avg Net Price
28%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Graduation Rate
6-year
95%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Macalester College

Macalester College: A global liberal arts hub in Minnesota, championing internationalism and diverse thought.

Macalester College stands out as a vibrant private liberal arts institution nestled in Saint Paul, Minnesota, renowned for its deep commitment to internationalism and multiculturalism. While its roots trace back to Scottish and Presbyterian origins in 1874, the college today embraces a diverse and global perspective, fostering a community where students engage with complex world issues and develop a broad understanding of humanity.

As an exclusively undergraduate college, Macalester offers an intimate and focused academic experience. Students can explore a rich curriculum featuring 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations, with the unique flexibility to even design their own major, ensuring a personalized educational journey. The institution prides itself on nurturing intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing its graduates to be engaged citizens in an interconnected world.

Beyond the classroom, Macalester cultivates a lively student experience. Its urban residential campus provides access to the cultural vibrancy of Saint Paul, complemented by the 300-acre Ordway Field Station for environmental research and recreation. Students can cheer on the Scots in NCAA Division III athletics, participate in numerous clubs, and experience the close-knit community embodied by their new mascot, Coo the Highland Cow. The college also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, exemplified by projects like the LEED Platinum-targeted Markim Hall.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1874, emphasizing internationalism and multiculturalism within a liberal arts framework.
  • Exclusively undergraduate institution with an enrollment of 2,068 students (Fall 2025).
  • Offers 39 majors, 40 minors, 11 concentrations, and the option to design your own major.
  • Boasts an endowment of $899 million (2025).
  • Manages the 300-acre Ordway Field Station for nature reserve and research.
  • Suzanne Rivera, the 17th president, is the first woman and first Hispanic person to serve in the role.
  • Committed to sustainability, with Markim Hall designed to qualify for LEED Platinum certification.

Timeline

1874
Founded by Edward Duffield Neill with Presbyterian Church support, initially named Baldwin College.
1885
Renamed Macalester College after a donation from Charles Macalester, and opened for courses.
1887
James Wallace joined the faculty, later becoming president and stabilizing college finances.
1897
Nellie A. Hope became the first woman appointed to the newly organized music department.
2008
Publicly launched a $150 million capital campaign.
2009
Construction completed on Markim Hall, targeting LEED Platinum certification.
2012
The renovated and expanded Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center opened.
2020
Suzanne Rivera became the college's 17th president; "Macalester Moment" campaign concluded, raising over $126 million.
2024
The college announced a new mascot, Coo the Highland Cow.

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