About Financial Aid
Contact
Financial Aid1600 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN, 55105, USA
(Mailing Address)
651-696-6214
800-231-7974
651-696-6866 (fax)
financialaid@macalester.edu
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- How much does it cost to apply for financial aid?
- What is the deadline for applying for aid?
- How can I learn more about my chances of receiving financial aid?
- How do tuition increases affect my financial aid package?
- Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year? Will my financial aid package change each year?
- What’s the difference between need-based aid and merit aid?
- Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?
- How do I apply for financial aid as an independent student?
- Am I eligible for financial aid when on an off-campus program?
1. How do I apply for financial aid?
You can find detailed information in the Apply for Aid section of our site. The process is slightly different for early decision applicants and transfer and international students.
- Macalester’s FAFSA code is: 002358
- Macalester’s CSS PROFILE code is: 6390
2. How much does it cost to apply for financial aid?
Completing the FAFSA is free.
The CSS Profile costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school you would like your information sent to. However, Profile fees are waived for U.S. families with annual income up to $100,000.
3. What is the deadline for applying for aid?
The application deadline varies by type of applicant (domestic, international, or transfer student) and whether you are applying early or regular decision. Specific deadlines and instructions for each type of applicant can be found in the Apply for Aid section of our site.
To be considered for financial aid, you must indicate your intent to apply for aid when you complete your admission application.
4. How can I learn more about my chances of receiving financial aid?
Macalester offers two estimating tools: MyinTuition and Net Price Calculator. We encourage families to use these tools to estimate their need-based aid eligibility and their resulting cost. MyinTuition offers a quick estimate, with only a few questions to answer. The Net Price Calculator takes more time to complete but offers a more accurate and detailed estimate of financial aid eligibility.
5. How do tuition increases affect my financial aid package?
Generally, the grant portion of a student’s financial aid package remains the same from year to year. A student’s increased earning ability over four years may warrant a greater contribution from summer employment. Because upperclass students are in a better position to borrow more, students usually are expected to take out larger loans as they progress through college.
6. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year? Will my financial aid package change each year?
Yes. Eligibility for need-based financial aid will be re-evaluated for each year of enrollment at Macalester. The most common reasons for changes to need-based financial aid eligibility are siblings entering or leaving undergraduate study and significant changes in family income. Financial aid application reminders are usually sent to currently enrolled students during winter break.
7. What’s the difference between need-based and merit aid?
Most aid at Macalester is based on each applicant’s financial need; this is called “need-based” aid. We look at family income and other factors to determine aid packages. Macalester emphasizes need-based aid to keep the college accessible to talented students from a variety of economic backgrounds.
Macalester offers several special scholarships that are based on academic merit rather than financial need.
With the exception of the National Merit Scholarship (which requires a special procedure), you will automatically be considered for merit-based aid when you apply for admission to Macalester. Merit-based scholarships are awarded for a four-year period. If you qualify, you may receive need-based financial aid in addition to these scholarships.
8. Are there special application instructions for divorced parents?
Federal and state regulations require that the custodial parent (and step-parent, if applicable) complete the application for federal and college financial aid. Macalester requires that both biological/adoptive parents complete separate CSS Profile applications if they are divorced or separated. More information for divorced parents.
9. How do I apply for financial aid as an independent student?
If you are considering applying for aid as an independent student, you must contact the Macalester Financial Aid Office before completing your financial aid application. All sources of financial aid at Macalester require students to be 24 years old in order to be considered independent, with very few exceptions. Students entering Macalester as dependent will be treated in that manner by the college in future years.
10. Am I eligible for financial aid when on an off-campus program?
Students who participate in Macalester-approved programs may apply for and receive financial aid. Macalester is committed to providing financial aid to ensure that students who want to study off-campus can do so, regardless of family income. Visit our Policies section for more answers to frequently asked questions about Off-Campus Study and Financial Aid.