Macalester College vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

Compare Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augustana University is larger than Macalester College based on total student enrollment (2,390 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Augustana University 12:1.

Macalester College vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester College or Augustana University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Augustana University than Macalester College ($24,977 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 34.5% lower than at Macalester College ($10,326 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 69.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augustana University (about $27,944 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.6% higher at Macalester College than at Augustana University (about $27,944 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Macalester College (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 40.5% larger than aid received by Augustana University students ($42,766 vs. $30,445).

Macalester College vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Macalester College or Augustana University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Augustana University and Macalester College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 170 points higher than at Augustana University (1260).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at Augustana University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Augustana University (3.76).
• Augustana University has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

Macalester College vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester College and Augustana University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Macalester College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Augustana University's (65%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $4,330 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($22,670 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Augustana University students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 83%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.