Is Macalester College worth it?

Saint Paul, MN · private-nonprofit

Verdict

Typical students pay $32,149 a year after aid, graduate with $23,000 in federal debt, and earn $46,244 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $246, with a debt break-even of about 5.0 years.

Net price / year

$32,149

Admission rate

29%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$23,000

Earnings (6 yr)

$46,244

Earnings (10 yr)

$63,878

Est. monthly loan payment

$246

Loan-to-income ratio

50%

Debt break-even

5.0 years

How Macalester College compares

MetricMacalester CollegeMinnesotaNational
Net price$32,149$17,329$16,642
Median debt$23,000$15,163$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$46,244$40,295$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend Macalester College?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $32,149 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do Macalester College graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at Macalester College leave with a median federal debt of $23,000, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do Macalester College graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $46,244, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at Macalester College?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is Macalester College worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 5.0 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.