08/31/2026
Small liberal arts college right in St. Paul, worth a serious look for families who want their student known by name, not lost in a crowd. It’s ranked #28 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, reflecting real commitment to classroom quality. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, well below the national average of 15:1, students get genuine access to professors and small, discussion-driven classes. The campus also has a global character, the UN flag has flown there since 1950, reflecting a longstanding emphasis on internationalism. For cost-conscious families, Macalester recently announced that starting fall 2026, it will offer full-tuition scholarships to admitted U.S. students with family income of $100,000 or less. Altogether, it’s a compelling option for a student who wants rigor, mentorship, and a worldly community, without the usual sticker shock.