Macalester College is a private liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota, renowned for having one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any liberal arts college in the United States. The college emphasizes internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society as core institutional values. Macalester offers strong programs in economics, international relations, and the sciences within an urban Twin Cities setting.
Mascot: Scot
Notable Alumni
Kofi Annan (UN Secretary-General)•Walter Mondale (42nd U.S. Vice President)•Danai Gurira (actress, Black Panther)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Macalester has no Greek system at all, and students love it that way — social life revolves around student orgs, small dorm gatherings, and the Twin Cities themselves, which offer a cultural richness rare for a liberal arts college. The vibe is intellectually intense and politically engaged without being cutthroat. Think earnest late-night debates about global policy, not ragers.
A tidy urban liberal arts campus in St. Paul's residential Grand Avenue neighborhood with a mix of traditional and modern buildings. Tree-lined paths and well-kept grounds are appealing, though the urban setting limits dramatic vistas.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Typical small-college crime rates, with the majority of reported incidents being disciplinary actions. Campus security and controlled building access keep students safe.
The Mac-Groveland neighborhood is one of the safest in all of St. Paul, accounting for less than 1% of the city's violent crime. A quiet, tree-lined residential area.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Year-round on weekdays; select Saturdays during peak season
Duration: 100 minutes total (40-min information session + 60-min student-led tour)
Additional options like student panels and class visits available depending on the season. Class visits are 60 min on MWF, 90 min on TTh. Junior Visit Days held in spring.
Book a TourInteractive self-guided campus map available online with building info, parking, and accessibility features. Campus is compact and walkable in a residential neighborhood along Grand Avenue.
Tour ResourcesEarly fall (September-October) is perfect -- campus is lively with students, the trees along Grand Avenue turn golden, and the Twin Cities festival season is in full swing. Spring (April-May) is also great once the thaw hits. Avoid January-February when wind chills can drop well below zero.
Free visitor parking on the street and in lots at the end of Macalester Street, across from the Admissions Office at 62 Macalester Street. MSP Airport is 15 minutes away; take METRO Blue Line to 46th St Station, then A Line bus to Snelling & Grand (35-45 min total). Campus is walkable from the Snelling Ave exit off I-94.
Location
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