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Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN

Get to know Macalester College

School Profile

Urban campus setting

2,175 undergraduate students

552 first-year students

15% first-generation

Students hail from 50 U.S. states and 95 countries 

Admissions

25% of applicants admitted

58% in top 10% of HS class

Median SAT score:* 1410

Median ACT score:* 32

*40% opted out of SAT/ACT test score consideration

Academics

39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations

Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1

Average class size is 17

Introduction to Macalester College

Macalester is a liberal arts college located in the vibrant metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.  Students gain real-world experience at over 200 internship sites within 8 miles of campus, partner with faculty on research projects, and work at nearby research institutions. On campus, they select from more than 800 courses each year, including the natural sciences, mathematics, the social sciences, humanities, and the arts.

Macalester’s diverse campus reflects a rich history of internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Students are involved in over 100 organizations ranging from athletic teams to performing arts ensembles. Clubs such as the Chinese Culture Club, the Mac Muslim Student Association, Adelante!, and many others reflect the cultural diversity of the community. 

Macalester has the oldest, broadest, and deepest International Studies program of any private liberal arts college in the world. 60% of students study abroad for 15 weeks or more. Macalester graduates reap the benefits of a global education in the job market and at the nation’s top graduate programs, joining a supportive alumni network that can provide guidance and connections for a lifetime.

Fun fact: Did you know Macalester offers free bagpipe lessons? There are Scottish roots here. You can join the Macalester College Pipe Band and play at all major events.

76 %

of students enrich their education with local internships and research opportunities at over 200 sites within 8 miles of campus and more at other locations nationwide.

Each year, a select number of students participate in MacExplore Trips and explore a career field in another city. Through an immersive three-day experience, students attend site visits, get connected to alumni, and hone their career search skills. 

Explore Macalester College through photos

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