Need-Based Aid

Macalester College Grants and DeWitt Wallace Grants are calculated based on your family’s demonstrated need for financial aid. The Financial Aid Office determines the amount of these awards based on your CSS Profile, FAFSA, tax returns, and other application materials. Macalester College Grants are funded through Macalester’s endowment, donations to the college, and tuition.

Campus Residence Grants are provided to students who demonstrate significant need for financial aid and reside in Macalester housing. Students who reside elsewhere, typically during their junior or senior year, are not eligible to receive a Campus Residence Grant. The Campus Residence Grant amount is expected to equal approximately 17% of the price of a standard on campus room each year and is subject to the renewal procedure for need-based financial aid (see below).

Student Employment is a part of most need-based financial aid packages. Funding for student employment is provided by the college, the State of Minnesota, or the federal government. This award is an opportunity to work on campus, typically for 8-10 hours per week. Unlike other kinds of financial aid, student employment earnings are delivered to students in the form of a bi-weekly paycheck. Wages can be used to help with day-to-day expenses or can be used as a payment toward the tuition bill. More information about job placement will be sent to students over the summer months. If student employment is part of your financial aid package, you are not obliged to participate, but Macalester cannot provide other financial aid to replace this award.

Federal Pell Grants are provided by the federal government and are directed to students with high need for financial assistance.

Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants) are provided through a combination of funds from the federal government and Macalester. Federal SEOG is directed toward students who also qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.

Minnesota State Grants are need-based grants for students from Minnesota. Funds are provided by the State of Minnesota. If your financial aid package includes a Minnesota State Grant, you must enroll for 15 credits each semester to receive the amount shown. If you enroll for fewer than 15 credits, your Minnesota State Grant will be decreased. If you also qualify for a need-based grant from Macalester and enroll for 12 to 14 credits, your Macalester grants will increase to make up for the reduced Minnesota State Grant.