Macalester College vs Grinnell College

Macalester College and Grinnell College, both highly regarded liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Macalester, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, boasts a diverse student body with a strong international presence, while Grinnell, situated in Grinnell, Iowa, is known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on social justice. With acceptance rates of 29% and 22%, respectively, both colleges are highly selective. Macalester's popular majors include political science, economics, and biology, while Grinnell students often pursue majors in political science, economics, and English. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including graduation rates, student demographics, and more, to determine which college best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Grinnell College	Macalester College
Overview
Location	Grinnell, Iowa	Saint Paul, Minnesota
Campus setting	Town: Remote	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation		Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	10.5%	31.3%
Application fees		$40
SAT range	1370 - 1530	1340 - 1515
ACT range	30 - 34	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	35.0%
Students submitting ACT score	33.0%	39.0%
Total number of applicants	10,513	9,046
Total number of admissions given out	1,108	2,828
Admitted students who chose to enroll	471	601
Yield rate	42.5%	21.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$76,098	$76,357
Average net price	$37,423	$30,939
Tuition	$58,156	$60,288
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,779 Meal plan: $7,572	Room/dormitory: $7,272 Meal plan: $6,270
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $35,821	87.0% Average amount $42,832
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $3,952	39.0% Average amount $4,799
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $5,903	29.0% Average amount $4,321

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,748 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%	2,244 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	91.5%	N/A
International students	19.4%	13.5%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,450	1,332
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Illinois Iowa Minnesota Texas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Physical Science Visual & Performing Arts Computer and Information Science	Mathematics and Statistics Foreign Languages and Literatures Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	86.9%	89.7%
Dropout rate	12.9%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,661 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $55,487 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,893 Year 2: $34,704 Year 3: $49,481 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,499 Year 2: $29,141 Year 3: $41,882 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,517 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $40,572 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: $37,882 Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: $37,613 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,718 Year 2: $19,227 Year 3: $29,237 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,140 Year 3: $28,680 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,658 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: N/A Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,239 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,163 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $72,135 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,896 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $56,193 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,635 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $43,620 Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,253 Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $39,047 International/Global Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,368 Year 2: $34,526 Year 3: $36,933 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,116 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $34,521 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,444 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: N/A Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,129 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: N/A Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Macalester and Grinnell?

Macalester College, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers a more urban experience with direct access to a major metropolitan area. Grinnell College, situated in Grinnell, Iowa, provides a more traditional, close-knit small-town college environment. Academically, both are highly regarded liberal arts colleges, but Macalester has a stronger emphasis on internationalism and global citizenship, while Grinnell is known for its individualized curriculum and strong science programs.
How do the campus environments compare?

Macalester's campus is integrated within a residential neighborhood in Saint Paul, offering students easy access to city amenities, internships, and cultural experiences. Grinnell's campus is more self-contained, fostering a strong sense of community and providing a more immersive college experience. Grinnell's setting is quieter and more focused on campus life, while Macalester's offers a blend of campus and city life.
Which college is stronger in international studies?

While both colleges value global perspectives, Macalester is generally considered to have a stronger emphasis on internationalism. This is reflected in its curriculum, the diversity of its student body, and its numerous study abroad programs. Macalester's location in a diverse urban area also contributes to its international focus.
How do the academic programs differ?

Both Macalester and Grinnell offer a wide range of liberal arts programs. Grinnell is particularly known for its strong science programs and its 'Grinnell Plan,' which allows students to design their own curriculum with faculty guidance. Macalester is known for its strong social sciences, particularly political science and economics, and its commitment to civic engagement. Both colleges encourage interdisciplinary study.
What is the student culture like at each college?

Both colleges attract academically driven and socially conscious students. Grinnell's smaller size fosters a close-knit and collaborative community. Macalester's urban location and international focus attract a diverse student body with a wide range of interests and perspectives. Both colleges value intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.
How do the costs and financial aid packages compare?

Both Macalester and Grinnell are expensive private colleges, but both are committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of their admitted students. The specific financial aid packages offered will vary depending on individual family circumstances. It's best to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at each institution based on your specific financial situation by using their net price calculators and applying for financial aid.
What are the career opportunities like after graduation from each college?

Graduates from both Macalester and Grinnell are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. Macalester's location in the Twin Cities provides access to internships and job opportunities in a major metropolitan area. Grinnell's strong alumni network and career services support graduates in finding opportunities across the country and around the world. Both colleges have strong track records of graduates attending top graduate schools.
How does the 'Grinnell Plan' differ from Macalester's academic approach?

The 'Grinnell Plan' is a distinctive feature of Grinnell College that allows students significant freedom in designing their own curriculum. Students work closely with faculty advisors to create a personalized academic plan that aligns with their interests and goals. Macalester offers a more structured curriculum with required courses and distribution requirements, but still allows for flexibility in choosing a major and electives.
Which college is better for students interested in social justice and activism?

Both Macalester and Grinnell have strong traditions of social justice and activism. Macalester's urban location and international focus often attract students interested in addressing global issues and engaging in community organizing. Grinnell's close-knit community and emphasis on social responsibility also foster a strong commitment to social justice. The 'better' choice depends on the specific issues a student is passionate about and the type of environment in which they thrive.
What are the advantages of attending a college in a city versus a small town?

Attending Macalester in Saint Paul offers access to a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities. Students can easily explore museums, restaurants, theaters, and other attractions. The city also provides access to internships and job opportunities. Attending Grinnell in a small town offers a more focused and immersive college experience. Students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers, and participate in a vibrant campus community. The quieter environment can be conducive to focused study and personal growth.

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