Macalester College
Saint Paul, United States • Founded 1874 • World Rank #3284
Overview
Founded in 1874, the Macalester College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Saint Paul (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Macalester College (Mac) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Presbyterian religion. Macalester College (Mac) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 149-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Mac also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Macalester College sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Macalester College operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Programs Offered
Macalester College's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
Bachelor's Degree
38 programmes
These 38 programmes make up Macalester College's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
History History
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Macalester College
Practical steps to apply to Macalester College, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Macalester College's catalogue includes 38 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Macalester College's admissions process.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Macalester College's official website at www.macalester.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (651) 696 6000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Macalester College
Common questions about Macalester College answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Macalester College?
The institution opened in 1874 (approximately 152 years ago).
In which city is Macalester College?
Macalester College is based in Saint Paul, United States.
What is Macalester College's control type?
Macalester College operates as a private institution.
How many students study at Macalester College?
Macalester College has approximately 2,000-2,999 students.
Where does Macalester College stand in university rankings?
Macalester College is ranked #3284 globally and #365 in United States.
Does Macalester College have a religious affiliation?
Macalester College operates within the Christian-Presbyterian tradition.
Who recognises Macalester College?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Macalester College?
You can find Macalester College online at www.macalester.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Macalester College's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Beyond Macalester College, these universities also belong to Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Presbyterian
Same-tradition partner institutions sometimes formalise mobility agreements specifically for Christian-Presbyterian students. The peers below may offer exchange routes informed by shared tradition.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Macalester College may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Faculty publication output for Linguistics & Language Studies researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with Macalester College
Looking at Macalester College through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Macalester College during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
