Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Carleton College vs Macalester College

Northfield, MN · Saint Paul, MN · Source: IPEDS federal database

Carleton CollegeMacalester College
Acceptance Rate22.3%28.2%
In-State Tuition$65,457$64,908
Out-of-State Tuition$65,457$64,908
Average Net Price$16,910$24,371
Graduation Rate91.0%90.0%

GradFax Analysis

Carleton College accepts 22.3% of applicants. Macalester College accepts 28.2%. Tuition is close: $65,457 at Carleton College, $64,908 at Macalester College. Six-year graduation rates are close: 91% at Carleton College, 90% at Macalester College.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Carleton College profileMacalester College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Carleton College or Macalester College?

Carleton College. It accepts 22.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Carleton College or Macalester College more affordable?

Macalester College has lower published tuition: $64,908 versus $65,457. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Carleton College is at 91%; Macalester College is at 90%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Carleton College vs Macalester College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax