Bucknell University vs Macalester College

Bucknell University and Macalester College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Bucknell, nestled in the picturesque Susquehanna Valley, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process. Macalester, located in the vibrant city of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers a more diverse student body, with a higher percentage of international students. While Bucknell's student population leans towards STEM fields, Macalester's strengths lie in the social sciences and humanities. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these exceptional institutions and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Bucknell University	Macalester College
Overview
Location	Lewisburg, Pennsylvania	Saint Paul, Minnesota
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation		Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	34.5%	31.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50	$40
SAT range	1295 - 1450	1340 - 1515
ACT range	29 - 33	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	35.0%	35.0%
Students submitting ACT score	17.0%	39.0%
Total number of applicants	11,263	9,046
Total number of admissions given out	3,886	2,828
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,027	601
Yield rate	26.4%	21.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$77,740	$76,357
Average net price	$38,170	$30,939
Tuition	$59,474	$60,288
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,192 Meal plan: $5,682	Room/dormitory: $7,272 Meal plan: $6,270
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	59.0% Average amount $37,752	87.0% Average amount $42,832
Students receiving federal student loan	32.0% Average amount $5,232	39.0% Average amount $4,799
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $23,169	29.0% Average amount $4,321

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,724 Men 47.1% Women 52.9%	2,244 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	33 Men 30.3% Women 69.7%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.9%	N/A
International students	5.3%	13.5%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,394	1,332
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Connecticut Maryland	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Social Sciences Education Foreign Languages and Literatures	Mathematics and Statistics Foreign Languages and Literatures Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	89.7%
Dropout rate	0.6%	10.0%
Transferred out	11.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,290 Year 2: $66,147 Year 3: $82,360 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,437 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $80,333 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,748 Year 2: $69,002 Year 3: $76,198 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,343 Year 2: $49,683 Year 3: $69,149 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,231 Year 2: $65,610 Year 3: $68,732 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $66,842 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,041 Year 2: $55,102 Year 3: $63,698 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,358 Year 2: $49,136 Year 3: $60,608 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,507 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,352 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,905 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $55,173	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,163 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $72,135 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,896 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $56,193 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,635 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $43,620 Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,253 Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $39,047 International/Global Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,368 Year 2: $34,526 Year 3: $36,933 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,116 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $34,521 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,444 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,508 Year 3: N/A Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,129 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: N/A Education, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in campus setting and location between Bucknell and Macalester?

Bucknell University is located in the rural town of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, offering a traditional college town experience with a focus on campus life. Macalester College, on the other hand, is situated in a vibrant residential neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, providing easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul).
How do Bucknell and Macalester differ in their academic focus and strengths?

Bucknell is a comprehensive university with strong programs in engineering, management, and the liberal arts. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and offers a blend of professional and liberal arts education. Macalester College is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its international focus, commitment to social justice, and strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Macalester excels in preparing students for graduate studies and careers in fields requiring critical thinking and global awareness.
What is the typical student body size and overall campus culture like at each institution?

Bucknell has a larger undergraduate population (around 3,700 students) compared to Macalester (around 2,100 students). Bucknell's campus culture is often described as more traditional and focused on Greek life and athletics, while Macalester's culture is known for its progressive values, intellectual curiosity, and emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
How do the costs of attending Bucknell and Macalester compare?

Both Bucknell and Macalester are private institutions with similar high costs of attendance. However, the actual cost for students can vary significantly based on financial aid packages. It's essential to compare the financial aid offers from both schools to determine the most affordable option for your family.
What are the opportunities for research and experiential learning at Bucknell and Macalester?

Both Bucknell and Macalester offer ample opportunities for undergraduate research and experiential learning. Bucknell provides research opportunities across various disciplines, including engineering and the sciences, as well as internships and study abroad programs. Macalester emphasizes community engagement, internships, and research opportunities, particularly those with an international or social justice focus. Both colleges encourage students to apply their learning outside the classroom.
How do Bucknell and Macalester approach career services and post-graduation outcomes?

Both institutions have dedicated career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job searching, and career counseling. Bucknell's career services are tailored to its broader range of academic programs, while Macalester's career services emphasize opportunities in fields aligned with its liberal arts mission, such as non-profits, government, and international organizations. Both colleges boast strong alumni networks that can assist graduates in their career pursuits.
What are the athletic programs like at Bucknell and Macalester?

Bucknell competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a wide range of varsity sports with a strong emphasis on athletic achievement. Macalester competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing participation and the integration of athletics with the academic experience. While both offer a variety of sports, Bucknell's athletic programs are generally more competitive and receive greater campus attention.
How do the study abroad programs compare between Bucknell and Macalester?

Both Bucknell and Macalester offer extensive study abroad programs. Macalester is particularly known for its global initiatives and diverse range of study abroad locations, reflecting its international focus. Bucknell also provides numerous study abroad options, allowing students to immerse themselves in different cultures and academic environments. The best program for you will depend on your specific academic interests and desired location.
What kind of student typically thrives at Bucknell versus Macalester?

A student who enjoys a traditional college experience with a strong sense of community, a blend of professional and liberal arts programs, and a vibrant Greek life and athletic scene might thrive at Bucknell. A student who values intellectual curiosity, social justice, diversity, and a global perspective, and who prefers a more urban setting with access to cultural and professional opportunities, might thrive at Macalester.
What are the notable alumni from Bucknell and Macalester?

Bucknell has produced notable alumni in various fields, including business, engineering, and the arts. Macalester College boasts a distinguished alumni network with leaders in politics, journalism, academia, and international affairs, reflecting its commitment to global citizenship and social impact.

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