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Macalester College

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Macalester College campus

At Macalester College, you'll discover:

  • A dynamic community of students from over 100 different countries and all 50 U.S. states

  • The vibrant urban experience of Minnesota's Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul)

  • Real-world opportunities at over 200 internship and research sites within 8 miles/13 kilometers of campus

  • A deep commitment to global citizenship that shapes graduates who become changemakers around the world

Accepts first-year applicationsMidwestPrivateUrbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Public health

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

First-year

Macalester welcomes first-year applications from across the United States and around the world. Students who identify as a refugee, displaced person, asylum seeker, stateless person, and Undocumented/DACA students, are welcomed at Macalester.

  • Applicants can apply via the Common Application through Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision

  • Macalester also partners with college access programs like QuestBridge and Posse

  • Macalester follows a test-optional admission policy

  • There is no application fee

Learn more about applying at www.macalester.edu/apply.

Transfer

Macalester offers fall semester transfer admission for students who have been enrolled at another college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking student. Students who have completed Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, Dual Enrollment, or equivalent programs within their high school studies are not considered transfer students.

Learn more about applying as a transfer at www.macalester.edu/admissions/us-admissions/transfer/.

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Additional information

Macalester students thrive in a rigorous academic environment, where collaboration is prioritized over competition. You’ll work side-by-side with your professors–in the classroom, the lab, on stage, or on study away. Macalester’s small class size creates easy access to guidance and support of professors as you explore your academic and professional passions. 

  • 2,100 undergraduate students
  • Average class size - 17
  • Student:Faculty ratio - 10:1

Macalester offers a wide range of professional, educational, and community-focused experiences that reflect the diverse interests of the college’s students, providing valuable hands-on experience.

  • 75% of students complete an internship
  • All students complete a research-based capstone project, guided by faculty
  • 33% of students graduate with a double major
  • 3 out of 5 students study away from campus for one semester or longer, choosing from over 120 different programs
  • 70+ courses each year include a community-based learning component
  • 96% of students engage with volunteering

Students find balance in their Macalester experience by engaging with various layers of student life, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

  • 100+ student organizations
  • 19 NCAA Division III Varsity Athletics programs, plus club and intramural sports
  • 2-year residential housing requirement, with opportunities to remain on campus for 3rd and 4th year
  • Fun campus events and traditions, such as Mac Fest, International Roundtable, Founding Day, and Springfest
  • The coo-lest college mascot in the world, Coo!

Visit us

Students and their families are welcome to engage with Macalester Admissions throughout the year! Visitors are encouraged to experience Macalester by:

  • Attending an on-campus Information Session followed by a student-led tour, and the option to attend classes during the school year or a student Q&A panel during the summer

  • Registering for a Meet Mac Visit Day

  • Attending a Virtual Information Session

  • Exploring the virtual 360-degree tour

  • Viewing the summer Workshop Wednesday series, either live or recorded

Ways to explore campus and learn more about the Mac community can be found at macalester.edu/about/visit/.

I gravitate towards living in communities that look a little like Mac–diverse and daring, globally concerned, folks from across the globe.