by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a Macalester degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how Macalester measures up.
Macalester is ranked #2,716 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Minnesota, it ranks #68 of 69 for value.
Among the majors Macalester offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| History | #3 of 3 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #20 of 21 |
| International/Global Studies | #73 of 91 |
| International Studies | #73 of 91 |
| International Business | #73 of 91 |
| Creative Writing | #81 of 106 |
| Other Research & Experimental Psychology | #88 of 109 |
| Writing Studies | #109 of 143 |
| Neurosciences | #125 of 174 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | #128 of 179 |
Read the full Macalester value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Macalester College is ranked #13 out of #72 in Minnesota for quality and #68 out of #69 for Minnesota value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Macalester financial aid page to be sure.
Macalester College is ranked #2,716 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Macalester College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Macalester costs about $37,742. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $150,966 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $82,991 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $32,149 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $37,742 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $150,966 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Macalester net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Macalester degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $331,964 | — | — |
| All Students | $150,966 | #2,716 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $128,596 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $331,964 | — | — |
| All Students | $150,966 | #68 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $128,596 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Macalester shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $12,877 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,441 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,050 |
| $75K–$110K | $26,584 |
| Over $110K | $43,253 |
About 89% of Macalester undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $42,615 per year. Get more details on the Macalester financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Macalester net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.