History
Macalester College was founded in 1874 with a commitment to making it one of the finest colleges in the country. Its founder, the Rev. Edward Duffield Neill, served as a chaplain in the Civil War and held positions in three U.S. presidential administrations.
Education
With special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society, a Macalester education prepares students to thrive in a globally connected world.
Research
The mission of the Office of Institutional Research is to collect, analyze, and interpret data that improves understanding of the qualities and characteristics of education at Macalester, supports institutional planning and decision-making, and aids in policy and program development.
Macalester College Key Statistics & Highlights
- 306 Scholarships
- 2,049 Students
- 1,208 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Macalester College Overview
Macalester College Scholarships
Macalester College Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Macalester College. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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Macalester College Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 16 reviews
- 5 Star 7 Reviews
- 4 Star 8 Reviews
- 3 Star 1 Review
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.2
- Student Diversity 4.3
- Quality of Student Life 4.5
- Career Development 4.4
Macalester, mostly ups, but some downs
Going to school at Macalester is amazing, the quality of education is one of the best in America, as well as having a varied international student base. However, living at Macalester is less than fun, outdated dorms and poorly managed halls and offices lead to long waiting times and frustrating nights. Though altogether I would definitely recommend Macalester to anyone who truly prioritizes their education over all.
Enriching college experience
Macalester College is a place where academic brilliance and a diverse, engaged community converge. From the dedicated faculty to the supportive campus life, every aspect of the college is designed to foster intellectual growth and personal development. The campus's thriving neighborhood setting provides an ideal backdrop for both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, making Macalester a truly enriching college experience.
Vibrant campus life
Macalester College is a stimulating place to learn, with an emphasis on global citizenship, a rigorous academic environment, and professors who are passionate about teaching and mentoring. The intimate class sizes and vibrant campus life offer a unique and enriching experience for students.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
Student services
Since 1986, Macalester has welcomed students from the United World Colleges (UWC), a network of International Baccalaureate schools designed for students interested in gaining leadership and cross-cultural skills in a global context.
Housing services
First Year Halls
- Doty Hall
- Dupre Hall (first-years and sophomores)
- Turck Hall
- Bigelow Hall (first-years and sophomores)
- 30 Mac
- Bigelow Hall
- Wallace Hall
- Dupre Hall
- Cottages
- George Draper Dayton (GDD) Hall
- Grand Cambridge Apartments
- Kirk Hall
Library services
It is our sincere pleasure to welcome you to the DeWitt Wallace Library. We pride ourselves in offering an open and inclusive environment. Our primary mission is to support the educational goals and informational needs of the Macalester community. We do, however, happily open our doors to public.
ICT services
Macalester College’s wireless network uses your username and password to connect, an authentication method that provides a more secure wireless experience. Detailed connection guides are provided for the most common computing devices.
Campus life
The Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center fosters community by providing centralized facilities and services for programs which encourage interaction, fulfill daily needs, promote development, embrace diversity, generate revenue and cultivate connections to the college.
Sports facilities
The Macalester Club Sports Program is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate and compete in a variety of sports activities not offered on the varsity level at the College. These activities are competitive in nature.A club sport is initiated, organized, and operated by Macalester students who share a common interest in specific sports activity. In addition to sport skill development, Club Sports also provide students with learning experiences and leadership opportunities through involvement in club organizations, administration, budgeting, scheduling and fundraising.
Student clubs
What you do outside the classroom is just as important as what you do in it. There are 100+ student organizations and new ones are being formed all the time. From sketch comedy to knitting to managing a real mutual fund, Macalester’s student organizations are as diverse as our student body. Go ahead, try out the Scrabble club or Mac Rocketry. It’s up to you.
Accreditation
Macalester College has been accredited continuously since 1915. Macalester's accrediting body is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), one of six regional institutional accrediting agencies in the United States.