The Area: Macalester College is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood in St. Paul, the capital city of Minnesota. Just minutes from the vibrant downtown areas of both St. Paul (4 miles) and neighboring Minneapolis (6 miles), students benefit from the amenities of a dynamic urban setting while enjoying the charm of a cozy college town.
Known as the Twin Cities, the area offers access to cultural institutions, thriving arts scenes, professional sports, and countless dining and entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of parks, lakes, and trails, with year-round opportunities for activities like biking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.
Macalester's immediate surroundings reflect its urban-meets-residential setting. Grand Avenue, easily walkable from campus, is lined with plenty of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants for students to explore.
The Campus: Macalester's beautiful, contained 53-acre campus is known for its blend of classic Collegiate Gothic architecture and modern facilities (with red brick dominating the aesthetic). Students can easily get from one end of campus to another along tree-lined pathways, and there is plenty of green space for students to enjoy (weather permitting since this is Minnesota!).
The more modern LEED-certified Markim Hall blends into the campus just as well as the iconic Old Main, Macalester's oldest building. Recent campus improvements include the renovation of the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, providing state-of-the-art facilities for art, music, and theater students. The Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center serves as a hub for student activities, dining, and community engagement, offering cozy lounges and study spaces. A new dorm and welcome center on Grand Ave. are slated for completion in 2027. There is a 2-year housing requirement, and while it is not guaranteed all four years, securing housing is not generally an issue. Most students living off campus reside within 6 blocks of campus (where housing options are plentiful).
The Students: Macalester is home to around 2,100 undergraduates who are widely recognized for their global outlook, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to social justice. The college's emphasis on diversity and internationalism is reflected in its student body, which represents all 50 states and over 100 countries. About 60% of students come from outside Minnesota. The college has a distinctive Scottish flair, from the ever-present bagpipes at events and celebrations to the recently unveiled new mascot–a Highland Cow (or Coo, if you want to say it the proper Scottish way).
The campus culture is inclusive and vibrant, with students actively engaging in political and social causes. With no Greek system and the draw of a big city at the doorstep (plus around a dozen other colleges and universities nearby, there is a lot that happens off campus. Athletics are NCAA Division III, with strong participation in both varsity and intramural sports. Students can join over 100 clubs and organizations, ranging from environmental advocacy groups to multicultural dance troupes. Competitive debate and mock trial teams are both particularly strong. While not a requirement, 96% of this engaged student body volunteers.
Academics: Macalester's curriculum emphasizes a global perspective and interdisciplinary learning, making it an ideal choice for students who value a liberal arts education with a focus on social responsibility. Small class sizes foster close relationships with professors, and the student-faculty ratio of 10:1 ensures individualized attention. Exploration in academics is encouraged, and students don't declare a major until they register for junior-year classes.
Macalester's standout programs include International Studies, Political Science, and Environmental Studies, reflecting its commitment to addressing global challenges. The college encourages all students to engage in off-campus learning opportunities, whether through internships in the Twin Cities' thriving business and nonprofit sectors or study-abroad programs spanning six continents. With 200 community partners within a 6-mile radius and a dedicated internship office, Macalester students have no shortage of opportunities.
Capstone projects are a hallmark of the academic experience, and Macalester also offers pre-professional advising for students pursuing careers in medicine, law, or business. A whopping 60% of grads go on to graduate, law or med school within 5 years.
Strong/Notable Programs:
International Studies: Consistently ranked among the best in the nation, this interdisciplinary program attracts students eager to tackle global issues.
Environmental Studies: Leveraging Minnesota's reputation for environmental innovation, this program prepares students for careers in sustainability and conservation.
Political Science: Located in a politically active region, Macalester provides hands-on opportunities for civic engagement and policy analysis.
Math, Stats & Computer Science: The largest department on campus, with dedicated lab space for each discipline. About 100 students stay on campus each summer, engaging in research in the MSCS department.
Biology: After taking the same set of core courses, students can choose electives to support concentrations in areas ranging from genetics and cell biology to ecology and biochemistry
The Cost: For the 2024-25 academic year, the total cost of attendance is approximately $81,000, including tuition, room and board, and additional expenses. Macalester is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, and about 74% of students receive some form of financial aid. 68% of non-need students receive merit, with an average award of $20,000.
With its strong academic programs, emphasis on internationalism, and commitment to social justice, Macalester attracts students who want to make a difference in the world. Students looking for a rigorous but supportive liberal arts education in a thriving city may find their home at Macalester.
Visit Macalester's website to see if it's the right fit for you!