View source for Macalester College

{{Short description|Private college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, US}}
{{redirect|Macalester}}
{{distinguish|McMaster University}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = Macalester College
 | native_name            =
 | image                  = Macalester seal hires.png
 | image_upright          = .6
 | image_alt              = Macalester College seal
 | caption                =
 | latin_name             =
 | motto                  = ''Natura et Revelatio cœli gemini'' ([[Latin]])
 | mottoeng               = Nature and Revelation are twin sisters of heaven
 | established            = {{start date and age|1874}}
 | closed                 =
 | type                   = [[Private college|Private]] [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]]
 | endowment              = $899 million (2025) <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macalester.edu/support-mac/endowment/ |title=Our Endowment |date=September 24, 2025|publisher=Macalester College |access-date=September 25, 2025 }}</ref>
 | budget                 = $205 million (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |author=Andrea Suozzo, Ken Schwencke, Mike Tigas, Sisi Wei, Alec Glassford, Brandon Roberts |date=May 9, 2013 |title=Macalester College, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/410693962/202321039349301707/full |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}</ref>
 | president              = [[Suzanne Rivera]]
 | vice-president         =
 | provost                = Lisa Anderson-Levy<ref>{{cite web|title=Provost|url=https://www.macalester.edu/provost/|website=Macalester College|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719170207/https://www.macalester.edu/provost/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 | vice_chancellor        =
 | director               =
 | academic_staff         = 188 (full-time)<ref name=About>{{cite web |url=https://www.macalester.edu/about/#/0 |title=About Macalester |publisher=Macalester College |access-date=July 4, 2019 |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818193237/https://www.macalester.edu/about/#/0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 | administrative_staff   =
 | students               =
 | undergrad              = 2,068<ref>{{cite web | title=Quick Facts about Macalester Students | website=macalester.edu | date=September 18, 2025 | url=https://www.macalester.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/515/Quick-Facts-Fall-2025.pdf | access-date=September 19, 2025}}</ref>
 | other                  =
 | city                   = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
 | country                = U.S.
 | coordinates            = {{coord|44|56|21|N|93|10|4|W|type:edu|display=title,inline}}
 | campus                 = Urban (residential), {{convert|53|acre|ha}}
 | former_names           =
 | athletics_affiliations = {{hlist|[[Division III (NCAA)|NCAA Division III]] - [[Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|MIAC]]|[[Collegiate Water Polo Association|CWPA]]}}
 | sports_nickname        = Scots
 | mascot                 = Coo the [[Highland Cow]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Macalester is pleased to announce its newest Scot, Coo | website=News - | date=May 13, 2024 | url=https://www.macalester.edu/news/2024/05/macalester-is-pleased-to-announce-its-newest-scot-coo/ | access-date=May 14, 2024}}</ref>
 | website                = {{URL|https://www.macalester.edu/| macalester.edu}}
 | footnotes              =
 | logo                   = Macalester College Logo.png
 | logo_size              = 200
 | coor                   =
 | colors                 = {{color box|#01426A}} {{color box|#D44420}} Blue and orange
 | academic_affiliations  = {{hlist|[[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]|[[Associated Colleges of the Midwest|ACM]]|[[Consortium on Financing Higher Education|COFHE]]|Minnesota Private College Council|[[Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities|ACTC]]|[[National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program|Space-grant]]}}
}}

'''Macalester College''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ə|ˈ|k|æ|l|ɪ|s|t|ər}} {{respell|mə|KAL|iss|tər}}) is a [[Private college|private]] [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]], United States. Founded in 1874, Macalester is exclusively an undergraduate institution with an enrollment of 2,068 students in the fall of 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=Quick Facts about Macalester Students | website=macalester.edu | date=September 18, 2025 | url=https://www.macalester.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/515/Quick-Facts-Fall-2025.pdf | access-date=September 19, 2025}}</ref> The college has Scottish and Presbyterian roots and emphasizes [[Cosmopolitanism|internationalism]] and [[multiculturalism]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fiske|first1=Edward B.|title=[[Fiske Guide to Colleges|Fiske Guide to Colleges 2020]]|date=June 15, 2019|publisher=[[Sourcebooks]]|isbn=978-1-4926-6494-9|edition=36th|location=[[Naperville, Illinois]]|pages=430–432|language=en}}</ref>

In 2023, the college offered 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Academics - Macalester College |url=https://www.macalester.edu/academics/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Students also have the option to [[Bachelor of Independent Studies|design their own major]]. Macalester's sports teams compete in the [[NCAA Division III]]-level [[Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]]. The college's 60-acre main campus is bordered by [[Summit Avenue (St. Paul)|Summit Avenue]] to the north and St. Clair Avenue to the south. The 300-acre Ordway Field Station, a [[nature reserve]] and [[Biological station|research station]], is on the outskirts of the [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul|Twin Cities]], along the [[Mississippi River]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area |url=https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==

Macalester College was founded by [[Edward Duffield Neill]] in 1874 with help from the [[Presbyterian Church]] in Minnesota. Neill had served as a chaplain in the [[American Civil War]] and traveled to [[Minnesota Territory]] in 1849. He became connected politically and socially. He went on to found two local churches, was appointed the first Chancellor of the [[University of Minnesota]], and became the state's first superintendent of public education. In leaving the [[University of Minnesota]] Board of Regents he desired to build a religious college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church that would also be open to members of other Christian churches.<ref name="Macalaster College">{{cite web|title=Macalaster College|url=http://www.macalester.edu/about/mission/history/|website=History|publisher=Macalester College|access-date=February 21, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223357/http://www.macalester.edu/about/mission/history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Winslow House.jpg|thumb|left|[[Charles Macalester]] donated the Winslow House in Minneapolis for use as the school's first building]]
The college's original name was '''Baldwin College''' and it was affiliated with the Baldwin School, a Presbyterian secondary school.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kiehl |first1=David |title=History of education in Minnesota |date=1905 |publisher=The Historical Society |page=4 |url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/lhbum.0866e_0388_0435/?sp=4 |access-date=December 3, 2019 |lccn=18010428 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820143437/https://www.loc.gov/resource/lhbum.0866e_0388_0435/?sp=4 |url-status=live }}</ref> After a large donation from [[Charles Macalester]], a prominent businessman and philanthropist from [[Philadelphia]], the institution was renamed Macalester College.{{when|date=July 2025}} Macalester donated a hotel, the Winslow House, as the first permanent classroom building. With additional funding from the Presbyterian Church and its trustees, Macalester College opened for courses in 1885 with five teachers, six freshmen, and 52 preparatory students.<ref name="Macalaster College"/>

James Wallace joined the faculty in 1887 and later became president. He helped stabilize the college's finances and advance the institution.<ref name="Macalaster College"/> During his tenure, Macalester created a focus on a liberal arts curriculum. In 1897, [[Nellie A. Hope]] was the first woman appointed to the institution's newly organized music department.<ref name="Jackson">{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Cheryl |title=Women as Leaders of Collegiate Bands, 1850-1980 - College Music Symposium |url=https://symposium.music.org/index.php/38/item/2150-women-as-leaders-of-collegiate-bands-1850-1980 |website=symposium.music.org |access-date=June 30, 2022 |language=en-gb |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927061200/https://symposium.music.org/index.php/38/item/2150-women-as-leaders-of-collegiate-bands-1850-1980 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Parker-1982">{{cite book |last1=Parker |first1=Linda Faye |title=Women in Music in St. Paul from 1898-1957 with Emphasis on the St. Paul Public Schools |date=1982 |publisher=University of Minnesota |page=56 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gmzvjB8rhs4C |access-date=June 30, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820143428/https://books.google.com/books?id=gmzvjB8rhs4C |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2008, Macalester publicly launched a $150 million capital campaign. In 2009, construction was completed on Markim Hall, a new home for the Institute for Global Citizenship. Plans called for the building to qualify for Platinum certification under the [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]] (LEED) system, a building rating system devised by the [[U.S. Green Building Council]] that evaluates structures' sustainability and environmental impact. In 2012, Macalester opened its renovated and expanded Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center.<ref name="Macalaster College"/>

In 2020, Suzanne Rivera became the college's 17th president; she is the first woman and first Hispanic person to serve in the role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macalester.edu/news/2020/02/dr-suzanne-rivera-named-17th-president-of-macalester-college/|title=Suzanne Rivera Named 17th President of Macalester College|date=February 3, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203175038/https://www.macalester.edu/news/2020/02/dr-suzanne-rivera-named-17th-president-of-macalester-college/|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, the college also marked the conclusion of its "Macalester Moment" campaign, which raised more than $126 million in endowed funds, planned gifts, and current-use support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macalester.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/10/Macalester-Moment-campaign-map.pdf|title=The Macalester Moment: A Campaign for Access and Excellence|access-date=October 16, 2025|website=Macalester College}}</ref>

==Campus==
{{Infobox NRHP
| name =Old Main, Macalester College
| nrhp_type =
| image = Old Main-Macalester.jpg
| caption = Old Main
| location = 1600 Grand Ave.<br />[[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
| nearest_city =
| area =
| built =
| architect =[[William H. Willcox]]
| architecture = [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque Revival]]
| added = August 16, 1977
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| refnum = 77000765
| mpsub =
| governing_body =
}}

===Sustainability===
[[Image:Macalester-Weyerhauser2.jpg|thumb|Weyerhaeuser Hall administration building]]
In the Sustainable Endowments Institute's 2011 College Sustainability Report Card, Macalester received an overall grade of A−, earning it recognition as an "Overall Campus Sustainability Leader".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/macalester-college |title=Macalester College |date=2011 |work=Green Report Card |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816024217/http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/macalester-college |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, [[Campus carbon neutrality#The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education|The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education]] (AASHE) awarded Macalester a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Silver Rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/news/2011/07/macalester-receives-stars-silver-rating-for-sustainability |title=Macalester Receives STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability |publisher=Macalester College |date=July 25, 2011 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011201145/http://www.macalester.edu/news/2011/07/macalester-receives-stars-silver-rating-for-sustainability |url-status=live }}</ref>

Many student organizations focus on sustainability, including Macalester Conservation and Renewable Energy Society (MacCARES), Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), Mac Bike, Macalester Urban Land and Community Health (MULCH), Green Athletics at Mac, and Outing Club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/students/studentorgs.htm|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130801090507/http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/students/studentorgs.htm|title=Sustainability – Student Organizations<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=August 1, 2013}}</ref>

In April 2003, Macalester installed a 10&nbsp;kW Urban [[Wind Turbine]] on campus thanks to that year's senior class gift donating the installation cost and Xcel Energy donating the tower and turbine.<ref name="MACcares Wind Turbine Projects">{{cite web
| title =MACcares Wind Turbine Projects
| publisher =Macalester College
| url =http://www.macalester.edu/maccares/turbine.htm
| access-date =July 5, 2009
| archive-date =September 3, 2009
| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090903194353/http://www.macalester.edu/maccares/turbine.htm
| url-status =live
}}</ref> MacCARES is developing a proposal for Macalester to invest in a Utility-Scale Wind Turbine in the range of 2MW.<ref name="MACcares Wind Turbine Projects" /> Other projects include the Eco-House, a student residence with a range of green features and research opportunities; a [[rain garden]] that prevents stormwater from running off into groundwater, a bike share program, and a veggie co-op.<ref name="2008 College Sustainability Report Card">{{cite web
| title =Macalester Sustainability Tour
| publisher =Macalester College
| url =http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/sustainabilitymap.pdf
| access-date =July 5, 2009
| archive-date =November 23, 2008
| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081123012846/http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/SustainabilityMap.pdf
| url-status =live
}}</ref> The Class of 2008 designated its senior class gift to a Sustainability Fund to support initiatives to improve environmental sustainability on campus and in the greater community.<ref name="2008 College Sustainability Report Card" /> On January 1, 2013, Macalester started campus composting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/ |title=Sustainability |work=Macalester College |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=August 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810184348/http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2009, Macalester set a goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025 and Zero-Waste by 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.macalester.edu/whatshappening/press/2010/September17SustainabilityPlan.html |title=Macalester College to be Carbon Neutral by 2025 |publisher=Macalester College |date=September 17, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607060511/https://www.macalester.edu/whatshappening/press/2010/September17SustainabilityPlan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The school is a signatory to the Talloires Declaration and the American College and University President's Climate Commitment, the latter obligating the college to work toward [[carbon neutrality]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/policy/policymain.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705182638/http://www.macalester.edu/sustainability/policy/policymain.html|title=Sustainability – Policies<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=July 5, 2013}}</ref> On April 18, 2012, President [[Brian Rosenberg]] signed the "Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions on the Occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development".<ref>On April 18, 2012, President Brian Rosenberg signed the  "Commitment to Sustainable Practices of Higher Education Institutions on the Occasion of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development"</ref>

In 2009, Macalester opened Markim Hall, a LEED Platinum building that houses the school's Institute for Global Citizenship.<ref>[http://www.macalester.edu/igc/markimhall/]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830062438/http://www.macalester.edu/igc/markimhall/|date=August 30, 2010}}</ref> The building uses 45% less water and 75% less energy than a typical Minnesota building. Macalester is planning to remodel its Music, Theater, and Art buildings and is designing them to Minnesota B3 Guidelines.

Recent sustainability efforts have highlighted the intersection of social justice and climate change at Macalester as well as the potential conflict between its on-campus sustainability and its investments. Since 2012, students have criticized the college for making significant endowment investments in fossil fuel companies, including direct investments in oil and gas private partnerships. The student organization Fossil Free Mac<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fossilfreemac.com/|title=Fossil Free Mac|website=fossilfreemac.com|language=en|access-date=June 11, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135926/http://fossilfreemac.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> has led a campaign urging the college to [[Fossil fuel divestment|divest from fossil fuel companies]]. The campaign initially proposed full endowment divestment from the top 200 publicly traded fossil fuel companies, which Macalester's Social Responsibility Committee rejected in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://themacweekly.com/2015/05/src-does-not-recommend-fossil-fuel-divestment/|title=SRC does not recommend fossil fuel divestment - The Mac Weekly|date=May 1, 2015|work=The Mac Weekly|access-date=June 11, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140253/https://themacweekly.com/2015/05/src-does-not-recommend-fossil-fuel-divestment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/For-College-Endowments/137939|title=For College Endowments, Ethical Stands Can Be Complicated|date=March 18, 2013|work=The Chronicle of Higher Education|access-date=June 11, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144001/https://www.chronicle.com/article/For-College-Endowments/137939|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the Social Responsibility Committee unanimously approved a revised Fossil Free Mac proposal<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fossilfreemac.com/proposal.pdf|title=Proposal by Fossil Free Macalester to the Social Responsibility Committee to end Macalester College's Oil and Gas Private Partnership Investments|date=November 27, 2017|access-date=June 11, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140102/http://fossilfreemac.com/proposal.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> advocating a moratorium on the college's direct investment partnerships with oil and gas companies, which the board of trustees is considering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fossilfreemac.com/SRCReport.pdf|title=SRC Report on Oil & Gas Moratorium|date=March 30, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://themacweekly.com/2018/04/divestment-proposal-recommended-by-src-will-go-to-trustees/|title=Divestment proposal recommended by SRC, will go to Trustees|last=Catlin|first=Hannah|date=April 19, 2018|work=The Mac Weekly|access-date=June 11, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141240/https://themacweekly.com/2018/04/divestment-proposal-recommended-by-src-will-go-to-trustees/|url-status=live}}</ref> The divestment campaign has received significant support from the student body, student government, faculty, staff, and alumni.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mission-investor.com/2013/05/11/macalester-alumni-open-letter-supporting-fossil-fuel-divestment/|title=Macalester Alumni Open Letter Supporting Fossil Fuel Divestment|date=May 11, 2013|work=Mission Investor|access-date=June 11, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140133/https://mission-investor.com/2013/05/11/macalester-alumni-open-letter-supporting-fossil-fuel-divestment/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Academics==

===Reputation and rankings===
{{Infobox US university ranking
<!-- Liberal arts rankings -->| 
| USNWR_LA = 28
| Wamo_LA = 4}}

In 2025, ''[[Washington Monthly]]'' ranked Macalester 4th among 190 liberal arts colleges in the U.S. based on its contribution to the public good as measured by social mobility, research, and promoting public service.<ref>{{cite web |title=2025 Liberal Arts College Rankings |url=https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025-college-guide/liberal-arts-colleges-ranking/ |website=washingtonmonthly.com |access-date=2025-08-28}}</ref> ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' ranked Macalester the 28th-best liberal arts college in the U.S., 10th for "Best Undergraduate Teaching" and 31st for "Best Value" liberal arts college in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Macalester College Overall Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/macalester-college-2358/overall-rankings |access-date=September 28, 2025 |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426015824/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/macalester-college-2358/overall-rankings |url-status=live }}</ref> Macalester ranked 24th out of 378 colleges in [[Niche (company)|Niche]]'s 2026 "Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America" and 26th on its "Best Small Colleges in America" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2026 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America |url=https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-liberal-arts-colleges/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=Niche |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2026 Best Small Colleges in America |url=https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-small-colleges/ |access-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Niche |language=en}}</ref> Among other Niche rankings, Macalester received an A+ in academics<ref>{{Cite web |title=Macalester College |url=https://www.niche.com/colleges/macalester-college/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=Niche |language=en }}</ref> and was named Minnesota's most diverse college.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2026 Most Diverse Colleges in Minnesota|url=https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/most-diverse-colleges/s/minnesota/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=Niche |language=en }}</ref> ''[[Money (financial website)|Money]]'' magazine selected Macalester as a "Best College" from a pool of over 2,400 as evaluated by quality of education, affordability, and outcomes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Macalester College, Minnesota - Complete Profile, Rankings and Data |url=https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/macalester-college/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=Money |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Colleges Methodology |url=https://money.com/best-colleges/methodology/ |access-date=September 28, 2025 |website=Money |language=en}}</ref> Macalester was named one of the ''[[Hidden Ivies]] ''based on academics, admissions process, financial aid, and student experience.<ref>Greene, Howard and Greene, Mathew, The Hidden Ivies, 2009.</ref> Its 2024 graduates' most popular majors were:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Macalester&s=all&id=173902#programs |website=nces.ed.gov |publisher=U.S. Dept of Education|title=Macalester College |access-date=October 7, 2025}}</ref>
::Social Sciences (113)
::Biological and Biomedical Sciences (68)
::Computer & Information Sciences (50)
::Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (45)
::Physical Sciences (39)
::Mathematics and Statistics (39)

===Admissions===
Macalester is considered "most selective" by the ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' rankings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/macalester-college-2358 |title=Macalester College Overview |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=August 10, 2019 |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810165416/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/macalester-college-2358 |url-status=live }}</ref> For the Class of 2029, Macalester received 8,816 applications and accepted 27% of applicants.<ref name="Profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/admitted-students/class-profile/ |title=Admitted Student Profile for Class of 2026 |date=August 15, 2025 |publisher=Macalester College |access-date=September 29, 2025 }}</ref>

[[File:Macalester College Old Main Building.jpg|thumb|Old Main Building at Macalester College in fall]]

===Faculty===
Macalester has 198 full-time faculty, 91% of whom have a doctorate or the highest degree in their field.<ref name="Instructional">{{cite web|title=Macalaster College: Instructional Faculty|url=https://www.macalester.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/515/Fall-2024-Faculty-Counts-CDS-section-I.pdf |website=Macalester College|access-date=September 29, 2025}}</ref> Thirty-nine percent of faculty are international or U.S. citizens of color.<ref name="Instructional" /> The student-faculty ratio is 10:1<ref name="Instructional" /> and the average class size 17.<ref>{{cite web|title=5 Things to Know About Macalester |url=https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/5-things-to-know-about-macalester/ |website=Macalester College |access-date=September 29, 2025}}</ref>

===Academic program===
Macalester offers over 800 courses each academic year, providing pathways to 39 majors, 40 minors, and 11 concentrations.<ref name=":0" /> Students may also design their own [[interdisciplinary]] majors.<ref name="catalog.macalester.edu">{{cite web|url=http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1013|title=The Academic Program|work=Macalester College|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=September 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910144846/http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1013|url-status=live}}</ref> Courses are available in the physical sciences, humanities, mathematics and computer sciences, arts, social sciences, foreign languages, classics, several interdisciplinary fields, and pre-professional programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1023|title=The Curriculum|work=Macalester College|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=September 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910101236/http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1023|url-status=live}}</ref> Pre-professional programs includes pre-law, pre-medical, a cooperative architecture program, and a cooperative engineering program.<ref name=PPPP>{{cite web|url=http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1024#Pre-Professional_and_Professional_Programs|title=Special Programs|work=Macalester College|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=September 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910150105/http://catalog.macalester.edu/content.php?catoid=10&navoid=1024#Pre-Professional_and_Professional_Programs|url-status=live}}</ref> The most popular majors (in order) are economics, mathematics, biology, psychology, and political science.<ref name=About/>

The academic calendar at Macalester is divided into a 14-week fall semester (September to December) and a 14-week spring semester (January to May).<ref name="catalog.macalester.edu"/> All courses are offered for semester credit. Most courses are offered for four semester credits, but the amount of credit may vary.<ref name="catalog.macalester.edu"/>

During January, Macalester students may earn up to two semester credits in independent projects, internships, or Macalester-sponsored off-campus courses.<ref name="catalog.macalester.edu"/> They may also earn up to eight semester credits in independent study during the summer through independent projects or internships.<ref name="catalog.macalester.edu"/>

===Study away===
Studying away at Macalester is managed by the Center for Study Away, and it is called study away (as opposed to [[Study abroad in the United States|study abroad]]) because there are options to study away domestically.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.macalester.edu/study-away/about/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |language=en}}</ref> Nearly 60% of Macalester students study away before graduation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/internationalcenter/statistics/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705202717/http://www.macalester.edu/internationalcenter/statistics/| title=Statistics – International Center – Macalester College<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=July 5, 2013}}</ref> Eleven departments require off-campus study for completion of a major.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/internationalcenter/academicintegration/|title=Academic Integration|work=Macalester College|access-date=August 13, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429092507/http://www.macalester.edu/internationalcenter/academicintegration/|archive-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref>

Macalester is a member of the Macalester–[[Pomona College|Pomona]]–[[Swarthmore College|Swarthmore]] Consortium,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Globalization, Environment & Society: Study Abroad in South Africa :: Environmental Studies :: Swarthmore College |url=https://www.swarthmore.edu/environmental-studies/globalization-environment-society-study-abroad-south-africa |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=www.swarthmore.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Programs > International and Domestic Programs Office |url=https://studyabroad.pomona.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=16657 |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=studyabroad.pomona.edu}}</ref> which administers a study abroad program in [[Cape Town]], South Africa. Students in the program, variously titled "Globalization, the Environment and Society", "Globalization and the Natural Environment", and the "South African Program in Interdisciplinary Studies", study an interdisciplinary course at the [[University of Cape Town]] (UCT) co-taught by a faculty member from the consortium and two UCT faculty members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brochure {{!}} Program Overview |url=https://macalester-csa.via-trm.com/program_brochure/17974 |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=macalester-csa.via-trm.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Moseley |first=William |date=2009 |title=Making Study Abroad a Win-Win Opportunity for Pre-Tenure Faculty |url=https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ883701 |journal=Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad |language=en |volume=18 |pages=231–240 |doi=10.36366/frontiers.v18i1.264 |issn=1085-4568|doi-access=free }}</ref> Macalester also partners with colleges and universities such as [[Carleton College]], [[Duke University]], and [[Middlebury College]] to offer study-abroad programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Health |url=https://www.macalester.edu/study-away/predeparturetoreturn/health/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |language=en}}</ref> It is also an exchange partner with [[Sciences Po]] in France.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exchange Programme |url=https://www.sciencespo.fr/en/academics/exchange-programme/ |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=Sciences Po |language=en}}</ref>

===Academic consortia memberships===
[[File:Macalester-Humanities.jpg|thumb|Humanities Building<ref>{{cite web |url=http://themacweekly.com/2013/10/humanities-building-to-be-renamed-neill-hall-founder-first-president-recognized-on-campus/ |title=Humanities building to be renamed Neill Hall: Founder, first President recognized on campus |first=Emily |last=Gustafson |date=October 11, 2013 |work=themacweekly.com |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016232813/http://themacweekly.com/2013/10/humanities-building-to-be-renamed-neill-hall-founder-first-president-recognized-on-campus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

Macalester is a member of the [[Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities]] (ACTC), a consortium of five liberal arts colleges in Saint Paul and Minneapolis formed to develop cooperative programs and offer cross-registration to their students. The other members are the [[University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)|University of St. Thomas]], [[Augsburg University]], [[Hamline University]], and [[St. Catherine University]]. In addition to over 800 courses available on campus, Macalester students have access to all courses offered through the consortium without paying additional tuition.

==Tuition and financial aid==
Two out of three Macalester students qualify for need-based financial aid. Macalester also provides merit-based scholarships to around half of all students (most also receive need-based aid). Its comprehensive tuition, room, and board fee for the 2021–22 academic year was $74,060.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/financialaid/|title=Financial Aid & Tuition|work=Macalester College|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306045220/https://www.macalester.edu/admissions/financialaid/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Student life==

===Student body===
Macalester maintains a high international enrollment for its institutional type as a percentage of its student body.<ref>{{cite web|title=US News Best Colleges 2015|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/most-international|website=Most International Students: National Liberal Arts Colleges|publisher=US News Corp|access-date=February 21, 2016|archive-date=July 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717053047/http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/most-international|url-status=live}}</ref> As of fall 2025, international students constituted 16% of the student body.<ref>{{cite web | title=Quick Facts about Macalester Students | website=macalester.edu | date=September 18, 2025 | url=https://www.macalester.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/515/Quick-Facts-Fall-2025.pdf | access-date=September 19, 2025}}</ref> Its 2,068 students come from 49 U.S. states, Washington D.C., American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and 107 countries; 40% of the U.S. student body are students of color.<ref>{{cite web | title=Quick Facts about Macalester Students | website=macalester.edu | date=September 18, 2025 | url=https://www.macalester.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/515/Quick-Facts-Fall-2025.pdf | access-date=September 19, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Minneapolis, MN Town Hall (49640619016).jpg|thumb|[[Elizabeth Warren]] speaking at Shaw Field during her [[Elizabeth Warren 2020 presidential campaign|2020 presidential campaign]]]]

===Civic engagement===
Macalester is one of 360 institutions that have been awarded the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for excellence in civic engagement. The college encourages student dialogue by bringing in speakers, hosting an International Roundtable to bring distinguished international scholars to discuss emerging global issues, and hosting collective meetings such as Women of Color.<ref name=ceinventory>{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/cec/about/statisticsreports/ceinventory.pdf |title=Civic Engagement Inventory |work=Macalester College |date=September 2003 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907181047/http://www.macalester.edu/cec/about/statisticsreports/ceinventory.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Macalester links academic learning to community involvement. In 2011–12, 16 departments offered 59 courses with civic engagement components.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/cec/academiccivicengagement/|title=Academic Civic Engagement|work=Macalester College|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=August 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810075551/http://www.macalester.edu/cec/academiccivicengagement/|url-status=live}}</ref> Each year approximately 200 students complete internships, 65% of which are in the nonprofit sector, schools, government, or the arts.<ref name=ceinventory /> Macalester also allows students to earn their work-study financial aid award while working at a local nonprofit or elementary school.<ref name=ceinventory />

Almost all students (96%) volunteer in the Twin Cities while at Macalester.<ref name=About/> Many student organizations encourage active civic engagement, including MPIRG, Maction, Queer Union (QU), Macalester Habitat for Humanity.<ref name=ceinventory />

Macalester is the primary financial contributor and sponsor of the [[Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth]], which was founded in 1967 and has its main facilities in the Lampert Building. MITY provides two different [[gifted education]] programs during the summer and one on weekends during the academic year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mity.org/index.php/about-mity|title=MITY – Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth|website=www.mity.org|access-date=January 3, 2013|archive-date=January 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102111842/http://www.mity.org/index.php/about-mity|url-status=live}}</ref> Macalester also participates in [[Project Pericles]], a commitment to further encourage civic engagement at the college.<ref name=ceinventory /> In 2000, Macalester signed the [[Talloires Declaration]], making a commitment to [[environmental sustainability]], as well as a sweatshop pledge, making a commitment to fair-labor practices in the purchase of college apparel.<ref name=ceinventory />

===LGBTQ community===
The Campus Pride Index awarded Macalester a full five out of five stars for LGBTQ-friendly campuses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/09/macalester_is_lgbt_friendly_after_all_says_campus_pride_index.php |title=Macalester is LGBT friendly after all, says Campus Pride Index |first=Olivia |last=LaVecchia |work=City Pages |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=August 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607014858/http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/09/macalester_is_lgbt_friendly_after_all_says_campus_pride_index.php |archive-date=June 7, 2015 }}</ref> In 2007, ''[[The Princeton Review]] ''named Macalester the most gay-friendly college in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/audio-video/2007/08/28/macalester-named-most-gay-friendly-college.html |title=Macalester named most gay-friendly college |first=Benno |last=Groeneveld |date=August 28, 2007 |work=Twin Cities Daily Planet |access-date=August 13, 2015}}</ref> Macalester has started an initiative to ensure access to single-stall and all-gender bathrooms across campus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.macalester.edu/multiculturallife/lgbtq/allgenderbathrooms.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706144115/http://www.macalester.edu/multiculturallife/lgbtq/allgenderbathrooms.html| title=All Gender Bathrooms<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=July 6, 2013}}</ref>

Macalester has a student-powered Gender and Sexuality Resource Center that aims to build a culture of resistance against all forms of oppression.<ref name="GSRC">{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/multiculturallife/lgbtq/gsrc/ |title=Gender & Sexuality Resource Center |work=Macalester College |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905233255/http://www.macalester.edu/multiculturallife/lgbtq/gsrc/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also has active LGBTQ student organizations and groups, including Queer Union, the Trans Identity Collective, Allies Project Training, and the Macalester Out and Proud Community.<ref name="GSRC" />

===Pipe band===
The college has a [[pipe band]] consisting of around 20 students, alumni, and community members. [[Bagpipes]] are performed at significant college events and are heard when applicants open their acceptance letters. Macalester offers students free bagpipes and lessons and has an official [[tartan]] plaid. In the 1930s, students jokingly brought bagpipes to campus as a reference to the college's Scottish name, which started the tradition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Jennifer |date=November 9, 2024 |title=Brooks: At this Minnesota college, every student is entitled to free bagpipe lessons |url=https://www.startribune.com/brooks-at-this-minnesota-college-every-student-is-entitled-to-free-bagpipe-lessons/601178011 |access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Athletics==
[[file:Macalester athletics wmark.png|thumb|Macalester athletics wordmark]]
Macalester's athletic teams are nicknamed the [[Scotland|Scots]]. Macalester is a member of the [[NCAA Division III]] [[Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] (MIAC) in all sports. The Scots' football team set an NCAA Division III record by [[Losing streak#American football|losing 50 straight games from 1974 to 1980]]. [[Earlham College]] broke that record in 2018, losing 51 straight games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wibc.com/news/local-news/earlham-college-suspends-football-program-heels-college-footballs-longest-losing|title=Earlham College Suspends Football Program On Heels Of College Football's Longest Losing Streak|last=Darling|first=Kurt|date=November 13, 2018|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-date=December 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210015817/https://www.wibc.com/news/local-news/earlham-college-suspends-football-program-heels-college-footballs-longest-losing|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1977, Macalester set a Division III record by allowing 59.1 points per game. The losing streak ended in dramatic fashion: Kicker Bob Kaye put a 23-yarder through the uprights with 11 seconds remaining in a September 1980 game as the Scots beat Mount Senario College.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/colfootball/teams/worst.html |title=Worst college football teams of all time |work=ESPN.com |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417064447/http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/colfootball/teams/worst.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Scots football team left the MIAC after the 2001 season<ref>{{cite web |url=https://athletics.macalester.edu/news/2020/5/27/football-macalester-to-return-to-miac-in-2021 |title=Football: Macalester to Return to MIAC in 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |archive-date=November 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104160855/https://athletics.macalester.edu/news/2020/5/27/football-macalester-to-return-to-miac-in-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> and competed as an independent until 2014, when it joined the [[Midwest Conference]]. Under head coach Tony Jennison, Macalester won the Midwest Conference title in its first year in the league. This was the Scots' first conference football title since 1947.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/news/2014/11/football-takes-conference-title/ |title=Football Takes Conference Title |date=November 15, 2014 |publisher=Macalester College |access-date=November 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120095842/http://www.macalester.edu/news/2014/11/football-takes-conference-title/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Macalester also won nine games in 2014, the most ever in a Scots season in its 121 years of intercollegiate football.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macalester.edu/whatshappening/press/11_01/11_27_01.html |title=Macalester News |publisher=Macalester College |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109151108/http://www.macalester.edu/whatshappening/press/11_01/11_27_01.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That year, the team earned its first [[NCAA Division III]] playoff appearance. In 2020, the football team returned to the MIAC.

[[File:Macalester-LC.jpg|thumb|The Leonard Center athletic and wellness complex]]

Both men's and women's soccer teams remain competitive, appearing in multiple NCAA playoffs since 1988, with the men's team making 12 national tournaments and the women's team appearing in 15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Macalester Men's Soccer |url=https://www.facebook.com/MacalesterMensSoccer/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The women's team won the NCAA championship in 1998 and finished second in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Women's Soccer Records & Awards |url=https://athletics.macalester.edu/sports/2011/11/22/WSOC_1122114426.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The men's team has won 12 MIAC championships<ref>{{Cite web |title=Men's Soccer Records & Awards |url=https://athletics.macalester.edu/sports/2011/11/8/MSOC_1108110136.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref> and the women's team has won eight MIAC titles. Coach John Leaney, who won 489 games as the coach of both teams, was honored in 2023 when Macalester named the field at Macalester Stadium "John Leaney Field".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Macalester to Name Field After Legendary Soccer Coach John Leaney |url=https://athletics.macalester.edu/news/2022/8/2/general-macalester-to-name-field-after-legendary-soccer-coach-john-leaney.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Both teams are well-supported by students, parents and alumni. [[Mental Floss]] named one of Macalester sports fans' most (in)famous cheers—"Drink blood, smoke crack, worship Satan, go Mac!"—one of its "7 Memorable Sports Chants".<ref>{{cite web |first=Will |last=Treece |url=http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/60166 |title=7 Memorable Sports Chants |publisher=Mentalfloss.com |date=July 7, 2010 |access-date=August 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615073354/http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/60166 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 }}</ref>

Macalester Athletics compete in the Leonard Center, which opened in August 2008. The $45 million facility encompasses 175,000 square feet and includes a 200-meter track, a natatorium, a fitness center, several multipurpose rooms, and a health and wellness center. Materials from the former facility were disposed of in environmentally friendly ways, with some incorporated into the new structure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://athletics.macalester.edu/sports/2011/8/25/GEN_0825112913.aspx?id=190 |title=Macalester College Athletics |work=Macalester College |access-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906230524/http://athletics.macalester.edu/sports/2011/8/25/GEN_0825112913.aspx?id=190 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notable alumni==
{{Main list|List of Macalester College people
}}<gallery mode="packed">
File:Kofi Annan 2012 (cropped).jpg|[[Kofi Annan]] '61, former [[UN]] [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|secretary general]] and [[Nobel Peace Prize]] laureate
File:Tim obrien 2012.jpg|[[Tim O'Brien (author)|Tim O'Brien]] '68, writer
File:Ari Emanuel (27449561892) (2).jpg|[[Ari Emanuel]] '83, businessman and CEO of [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor]]
File:Jeremy Allaire at MoneyConf 2018 (2) (cropped).jpg|[[Jeremy Allaire]] '93, co-founder of [[Circle (company)|Circle]] and co-creator of [[Adobe ColdFusion|ColdFusion]]
File:Danai Gurira by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg|[[Danai Gurira]] '01, actress and playwright
File:Governor Scott McCallum 2001 (cropped).jpg|[[Scott McCallum]] '72, former [[governor of Wisconsin]]
File:Bob Mould (cropped).jpg|[[Bob Mould]] '82, member of [[Hüsker Dü]]
</gallery><!-- Please maintain alphabetical order by last name. -->
* [[Jeremy Allaire]], 1993, co-founder of [[Circle (company)|Circle]], the blockchain-based payments and treasury infrastructure company that created [[USD Coin|USDC]]
* [[Kofi Annan]], 1961, former [[UN]] secretary general and [[Nobel Peace Prize]] laureate
* [[Siah Armajani]], 1963, sculptor
* [[Charles Baxter (author)|Charles Baxter]], 1969, University of Minnesota professor, author and [[National Book Award]] finalist (''[[The Feast of Love]]'')
* [[Peter Berg]], 1983, actor, film director (''[[Friday Night Lights (film)|Friday Night Lights]]'' and ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]''); one scene in ''Hancock'' shows [[Charlize Theron]] wearing a Macalester t-shirt
* [[Richard P. Binzel]], 1980, astronomer and professor of planetary sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
* [[Amy Briggs]], 1984, video game designer and creator of ''[[Plundered Hearts]]''
* [[Mike Carr (game designer)|Mike Carr]], 1973, creator of ''[[Fight in the Skies|Dawn Patrol]]'' game, author of the classic ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' adventure ''[[In Search of the Unknown]],'' commodities trader
* [[Sokhary Chau]], politician  and mayor
* [[Michael James Davis]], 1969, Judge of the [[United States District Court for the District of Minnesota]]
* [[Chank Diesel]], 1990, typographer
* [[Mark Doten]], 2001, novelist and librettist, ''[[The Source (oratorio)|The Source]]'', one of ''[[Granta]]''{{'}}s "Best of Young American Novelists"
* [[Ari Emanuel]], 1983, talent agent, basis for the character Ari Gold on ''[[Entourage (U.S. TV series)|Entourage]]''
* [[William P. Gerberding]], 1951, president of the [[University of Washington]]
* [[Danai Gurira]], 2001, actress (''[[The Walking Dead (TV series)|The Walking Dead]]'', ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'') and playwright
* [[Christy Haynes]], 1998, award-winning Professor of Chemistry at [[University of Minnesota]]
* [[Marilyn Gayle Hoff]], 1964, author, educator, activist
* [[Mary Karr]], 1974, author of ''New York Times'' Bestseller (''The Liars' Club''), Whiting Award winner, Guggenheim Fellow, Pushcart awardee
* [[T. Kingfisher]], 1998, award-winning fantasy novelist, illustrator
* [[Julia Kirtland]], 1987, distance runner
* [[Carl Lumbly]], 1973, actor (''[[Cagney and Lacey]]'' and ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'')
* [[Walter Mondale]], 1950, former vice president of the United States and U.S. ambassador to Japan (1993–97)
* [[Bob Mould]], 1982, musician, guitarist, writer, and vocalist for [[Hüsker Dü]] and [[Sugar (American band)|Sugar]] as well as a solo artist
* [[Tim O'Brien (author)|Tim O'Brien]], 1968, author of ''[[The Things They Carried]]'' and the winner of the 1979 [[National Book Award]] for his novel ''[[Going After Cacciato]]''
* [[Rebecca Otto]], 1985, Minnesota State Auditor; former Minnesota House member (2003–04)
* [[Shawn Lawrence Otto]], 1984, screenwriter and film producer (''[[House of Sand and Fog (film)|House of Sand and Fog]]'')
* [[Tim Paulson]], 1975, California labor leader
* [[Stephen Paulus]], 1971, composer, co-founder American Composers Forum
* [[Richmond Sarpong]], 1995, award-winning Professor of Chemistry at [[University of California, Berkeley]]
* [[Fred Swaniker]], 1999, co-founder [[African Leadership Academy]]
* [[DeWitt Wallace]], 1911, founder of ''[[Reader's Digest]]'', philanthropist
* [[Christopher O. Ward]], 1976, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
* [[Robert Willis Warren]], 1950, judge of the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin]]
* [[Dave Zirin]], 1996, political sportswriter

==See also==
{{Portal|United States}}
* [[List of colleges and universities in Minnesota]]
* [[Higher education in Minnesota]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Kilde, Jeanne Halgren. ''Nature and Revelation: A History of Macalester College'' (University of Minnesota Press, 2010) 400 pp. {{ISBN|978-0-8166-5627-1}}

==External links==
{{ccat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://athletics.macalester.edu/ Athletics website]

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[[Category:Macalester College| ]]
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