Macalester College vs Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Macalester College is very selective with a 28.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Minneapolis College of Art and Design (48.4%). Graduates of Macalester College earn $23,005 more per year at the 10-year mark ($63,878 vs $40,873). For families earning $48k–$75k, Macalester College is more affordable at $11,098 net price vs $26,550. Students at Macalester College graduate with less debt ($23,000 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Minneapolis College of Art and Design has a higher yield rate (39.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Macalester College has a higher median SAT (1410 vs 1280).
Saint Paul, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Macalester College is more affordable at $13,772 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,880 vs $34,345.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Minneapolis College of Art and Design enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Macalester College
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$71,575
- 2 Economics$64,493
- 3 Mathematics$52,107
- 4 Political Science and Government$35,274
- 5 International/Global Studies$34,526
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- 1 Film/Video and Photographic Arts$25,967
- 2 Design and Applied Arts$25,967
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts$22,192
- 4 Graphic Communications$18,771
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Macalester College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Mathematics
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Biology, General
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- 1 Design and Applied Arts
- 2 Graphic Communications
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts
- 4 Design and Applied Arts
- 5 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Macalester College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$58,248
- Est. total cost/year$71,562
- School typePublic
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$41,344
- Est. total cost/year$50,174
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Macalester College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Macalester College is more selective with a 28.2% acceptance rate, compared to 48.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Macalester College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Macalester College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $63,878 compared to $40,873. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Macalester College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Macalester College has a lower net price at $11,098 per year vs $26,550. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Macalester College vs Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Macalester College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.6%, compared to 59.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Macalester College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Macalester College has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Macalester College and Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
At Macalester College, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $71,575 within two years. At Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the top-earning major is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $25,967. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.