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Macalester College and Carleton College are both private nonprofit institutions — Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN and Carleton College in Northfield, MN. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Saint Paul, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 28.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,131
Tuition: $68,104/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 87.1%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Saint Paul, MN with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Northfield, MN · Private
Acceptance rate: 20.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,086
Tuition: $68,892/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 89.6%
Top programs: Computer science, Physical sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Northfield, MN with published program strength in Computer science and Physical sciences.
| Factor | Macalester College | Carleton College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 28.5% | 20.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1350–1510 |
| 1450–1560 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 30–34 | 32–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,131 | 2,086 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,104/year | $68,892/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,149 | $25,407 |
| Graduation rate | 87.1% | 89.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $63,878 | $75,525 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Saint Paul, MN | Northfield, MN |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology | Computer science, Physical sciences, Social sciences |
Carleton College is more selective (20.4% vs 28.5% acceptance rate). Carleton College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($25,407 vs $32,149). Carleton College reports the higher graduation rate (89.6% vs 87.1%). Macalester College is the larger undergraduate campus (2,131 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Macalester College and Carleton College
Macalester College has an acceptance rate of 28.5%; Carleton College is around 20.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Macalester College tuition is $68,104/year. Carleton College is $68,892/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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