Macalester classes often venture into the Twin Cities, in places ranging from a renowned concert hall to City Hall. Courses also include assignments that send students around the metro area to explore, research, and collaborate.
5 Things to Know About Macalester
Macalester is one of just a few top liberal arts and sciences colleges in a major metropolitan area. Our students come from every state and 95 countries. Here are five things that make us stand out:
1. Our Surrounding Cities Amplify the Experience
Two dynamic and diverse cities–Minneapolis and Saint Paul–surround our campus. Class trips to museums, small businesses, and a wide range of organizations all accelerate and amplify your learning experience. And when you’re thinking about your first (or fifth) internship, there are endless choices just minutes away.
St. Paul and Minneapolis are perfect places to discover potential career paths. With more than 200 internship sites within 8 miles of campus, our students have plenty of opportunities to get real-world work experience.
2. Students Live Our Mission
Macalester was founded in 1874 with core beliefs in internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. Macalester students learn in an environment that draws students from all walks of life and every corner of the globe, including 102 countries and all 50 U.S. states. These commitments enrich our students’ discussions and help prepare them to thrive in a globally connected world.
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3. Academic Excellence is at Our Foundation
At Macalester, students join a community where classmates are curious, highly motivated, serious about academic pursuits, and supportive of each other, often choosing teamwork over competition. Every Macalester student takes a First Year Course, a seminar-style class limited to 16 students where the professor is also your academic advisor. As a student, it’s common to find yourself working side-by-side with professors on research, in the lab, on the stage, or on study away.
17
Average class size
10:1
Student-to-faculty ratio
650+
Courses Offered Each Year
4. We Are a Community of Changemakers
Making a difference starts in the Twin Cities. Students work with with organizations and businesses for community-based learning, civic engagement, and professional opportunities as part of courses and life at Macalester. Our Community Engagement Center is a hub dedicated to connecting students, faculty, and community partners who collaborate on community-based scholarship and service for a more just and sustainable community.
Recent Partnerships
5. Macalester Meets Full Demonstrated Need and Offers a Robust Merit-Based Scholarship Program
We’re committed to making college more accessible and affordable for all of our students. From merit scholarships for academic excellence to need-based aid for financial assistance, Macalester’s financial aid package meets the full demonstrated need of every student we admit.
Estimate Your Cost
Figure out your eligibility for need-based financial aid by using our calculators. MyinTuition gives you a quick estimate, and our Net Price Calculator gives you a more customized estimate based on individual family financial circumstances.
About Us
Discover More About Macalester
Explore our video viewbook and discover more about our values, academics, and location in the Twin Cities. See the videos, photos, and details that give you an inside view into our Macalester community.