“A global liberal arts college in the heart of the Twin Cities — the highest percentage of international students among LACs, with deep civic engagement.”
Macalester College is a distinctive private liberal arts college located in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offering students a rare combination of rigorous academics and deep urban engagement. Founded in 1874 with Scottish Presbyterian roots, Macalester has evolved into a recognized leader in internationalism — boasting the highest percentage of international students among liberal arts colleges at 16% — while maintaining a strong commitment to multiculturalism and service to society. The academic experience features a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with 69% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. Macalester offers 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations across 800+ courses. The college's 95% retention rate and 90% graduation rate rank in the top 5-10% nationally. Over 50 courses connect learning to Twin Cities organizations, and 200 students complete internships annually with 96% volunteering in the community. The Macalester Promise, launching in 2026, will provide free tuition for U.S. families earning up to $100,000.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding
Early Action
Non-binding
Early Decision II
Binding
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$68,000 – $68,500
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Strong programs combining analytical rigor with Twin Cities engagement for practical learning and internships, particularly in policy and governance.
Rigorous STEM programs with undergraduate research opportunities and partnerships with local institutions including the Ordway Field Station.
Comprehensive programs emphasizing global perspectives and cultural studies, reflecting Macalester's internationalist mission.
4 years
Macalester's flagship program reflecting its core mission. Combines coursework in political science, economics, history, and languages with extensive study abroad and international internship opportunities. The college's 16% international student enrollment creates an inherently global learning environment.
4 years
One of Macalester's most popular majors, offering rigorous quantitative training combined with practical application in the Twin Cities business and policy sectors. Students benefit from internships at Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $68,104
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
