Macalester College

Macalester College is one of very few selective liberal arts and sciences colleges located in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Macalester's demanding academic program and commitments to internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society are all amplified by its location in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Students who thrive at Macalester are curious, highly motivated, serious about their academic pursuits, and supportive of each other; choosing collective success over competition. Every Macalester student takes a First Year Course (FYC) in their first semester. Seminar-style FYCs are limited to 16 students and the professor is the academic advisor for each student in the class. FYCs set the stage for an academic journey based on small classes, individual attention, and collaboration.

Macalester's location in the heart of a metropolitan area of 3.5 million people augments academic opportunities. Over 50 courses partner with organizations in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Example classes include:

Community Psychology and Public Health, in which students engage in off-campus shadowing opportunities;
Drama: Theater and Politics, which incorporates theatrical performances in multiple Twin Cities theaters including the world-class Guthrie Theater;
Environmental Leadership, where students apply knowledge learned in the classroom at a local environmental business or organization;
Legislative Politics, where students intern as legislative aides in the nearby Minnesota State Capitol.

Students come from more than 95 countries and all 50 states. More than 60% of students study abroad for 15 weeks or more going to over 50 countries, providing time for substantial experience and learning in another culture. The United Nations flag has flown over campus since 1950, a symbol of Macalester's commitment to world peace and understanding.

Campus life is lively, with nearly one hundred campus organizations providing opportunities for Macalester students to pursue their passions. Macalester's Program Board, an arm of student government, fills the calendar with a variety of events and gatherings, including some beloved traditions like Springfest and Winter Ball.

Opportunities continue off-campus. From internships with Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations, to professional sports at five nearby venues, to world class theaters and museums, Macalester's best-of-both-worlds location manifests itself in the academic and social lives of students. Students will also venture out to try new restaurants, with a wide variety of culinary and ethnic styles represented across the Twin Cities.

Two current students wrote this about Macalester: "We come from all over the world, every U.S. state, and right down the street. We are from cities and rural towns, upper class communities and first generation families, blue states, swing states, and red states.

Our diversity of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives combine to form a vibrant community united by our dedication to academic excellence, civic engagement, multiculturalism, and internationalism. Every person you meet on campus will, if you let them, talk to you for hours on end about some topic that fascinates and inspires. While we are passionate about many different topics, each of us has at least one subject that drives us forward to discover more, delve deeper, and always ask another question.

We constantly strive to create a better world and find new ways to build bridges across differences. We celebrate time to gather with friends and continue broadening our experiences. We are a community of 2,200 unique students. There is a Macalester identity that seems to transcend difference and unite us under one common, if slightly unconventional roof."

There are over 100 student organizations available. They reflect the diverse interests of our students and range in focus from academic, adventure, art, athletics, chess, comedy, consulting, culture, dance, entrepreneurship, gaming, Habitat for Humanity, investing, Mac radio station, Model United Nations, music, performance, philosophy, politics, Quiz Bowl, recreation, religion, rocketry, scrabble, service, slam poetry, software development, sports, ultimate frisbee, water polo and more.

Macalester has 19 varsity athletic teams as well as club and intramural sports. Varsity teams compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level.

In general, these diverse, international, and open-minded students are "extremely liberal and globally aware." As one describes it, "it is not uncommon for students to organize transportation from campus to local events and protests." That's because they're "determined to change the world for the better," so much so that "if you ask anybody on campus what they did over break, they will probably say 'volunteered for a non-profit'." They are "very engaged and interested in academics, smart, [and] dedicated." Additionally, a "large percentage of people are queer," which has come to mean "that anyone and everyone is welcome." The school's "atmosphere is very non-judgmental," so while students "have high standards for themselves, these standards do not breed intense competition-rather it cultivates an environment of collaboration and support."

At Macalester College, "being a smaller community [brings with it] a stronger sense of identity, more access to funding, research opportunities, and internships." Students "love the compact campus that has everything we need: recreational spaces, study spaces, classrooms, cafeteria, religious spaces-and it's all walkable." Activities are less party-driven and most here choose to "engage in relaxed activities like playing board or video games, watching TV, or having intellectual (or fun!) discussions while cooking or eating." More than sixty percent of students study abroad, and the Lealtad-Suzuki Center for Social Justice further broadens students' education and perspectives. As befits a school with "many religions/spiritualities [and] a large LGBTQIA+ population," there are also "many opportunities to join organizations and clubs [from those] different backgrounds."

In their remaining free time, students "take advantage of being in the Twin Cities and go off campus to study and explore as well as eat"; while on campus, "lunch and especially dinner in the dining hall are a large part of the social life." The school itself also plans events "like a crafts night, make your own tote bag, and trivia nights which are open to anyone." Student-run events are extremely successful and contribute to the strong sense of community on campus.

Macalester is a tight-knit school, and “the alumni network and the professors are very, very willing to help you network and land that job or internship, as long as you show some initiative.” About two hundred internship sites are available within eight miles of campus thanks to its metropolitan location and the school’s Academic Internship Program helps connect students with opportunities (many for credit), as well as advising on résumés and interview skills. “We have great job/internship/volunteer opportunities from being in a city, while still enjoying the benefits of a small campus,” says a student. Fall and spring job and internship fairs are held every year, and students can also attend the larger MN Private Colleges’s Job and Internship Fair. For students who cannot afford to take the summer off from work, the Macalester Summer Internship Grant (MSIG) provides funding for unpaid internships. And the MacExplore and MacConnect signature programs help students explore career fields in more intimate settings, either in local communities or through immersive trips to other cities. Payscale.com reports a median starting salary for Macalester graduates of $63,400, and 62 percent of Macalester alumni find a high level of meaning in their job.