Davidson College vs Macalester College

Davidson College and Macalester College, both highly regarded liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Davidson, located in North Carolina, boasts a lower acceptance rate (19%) compared to Macalester's (33%), indicating a more selective admissions process. While Davidson's student body is predominantly White (68%), Macalester's is more diverse, with a larger international student population (13% vs. 6%). Both colleges excel in academics, with strong graduation rates (92% and 88%, respectively) and popular majors in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two exceptional institutions. Explore the table to discover which college better aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Davidson College	Macalester College
Overview
Location	Davidson, North Carolina	Saint Paul, Minnesota
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	95.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian	Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.8%	31.3%
Application fees	$50	$40
SAT range	N/A	1340 - 1515
ACT range	N/A	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score		35.0%
Students submitting ACT score		39.0%
Total number of applicants	6,434	9,046
Total number of admissions given out	1,145	2,828
Admitted students who chose to enroll	547	601
Yield rate	47.8%	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	$73,200	$76,357
Average net price	$25,794	$30,939
Tuition	$54,460	$60,288
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,700 Meal plan: $7,525	Room/dormitory: $7,272 Meal plan: $6,270
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $47,889	87.0% Average amount $42,832
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $5,095	39.0% Average amount $4,799
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $33,219	29.0% Average amount $4,321

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,973 Men 47.2% Women 52.8%	2,244 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.8%	N/A
International students	8.2%	13.5%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,830	1,332
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia Texas New Jersey Florida	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Psychology Physical Science Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Ethnic Studies	Mathematics and Statistics Foreign Languages and Literatures Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.6%	89.7%
Dropout rate	10.0%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $60,797 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,388 Political Science and Government (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $42,752 Year 2: $45,715 Year 3: $53,747 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $41,099 Year 2: $35,330 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,670 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $34,292 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: N/A Anthropology (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A History (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,075 Year 3: N/A	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 location and campus environment between Davidson College and Macalester College?

Davidson College is located in the small, charming town of Davidson, North Carolina, offering a more traditional, close-knit college town experience. Macalester College, on the other hand, is situated in the vibrant city of Saint Paul, Minnesota, providing students with easy access to urban amenities, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities. Davidson offers a more secluded, campus-centric feel, while Macalester provides a blend of campus life and city exploration.
How do Davidson College and Macalester College compare in terms of academic focus and strengths?

Both Davidson and Macalester are highly regarded liberal arts colleges with strong academic reputations. Davidson is known for its rigorous academics, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and pre-professional programs like pre-med and pre-law. Macalester is also strong in these areas, but it has a distinctive emphasis on internationalism, global citizenship, and social justice. Macalester's curriculum often incorporates a global perspective across disciplines.
What is the typical class size and student-faculty ratio at Davidson College and Macalester College?

Both colleges pride themselves on small class sizes and close interaction between students and faculty. Davidson College has an average class size of around 16 students and a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. Macalester College has a similar average class size, typically around 17 students, and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. You can expect personalized attention and opportunities for mentorship at both institutions.
How do the student bodies at Davidson College and Macalester College differ in terms of diversity and background?

While both colleges strive for diverse student bodies, there are some differences. Davidson College draws a significant portion of its students from the Southeast, although it actively recruits nationally and internationally. Macalester College is known for its highly international student body, with students coming from over 90 countries. Macalester also tends to attract students with a strong interest in social justice and global issues, leading to a more politically active campus environment.
What are the main differences in campus culture and social life at Davidson College and Macalester College?

Davidson College has a strong sense of community, often characterized by its honor code and emphasis on student leadership. Social life tends to be centered around campus events, clubs, and organizations. Macalester College's campus culture is more influenced by its urban setting and its students' diverse interests. Social life includes on-campus activities, but also exploring the city of Saint Paul and its cultural offerings. Macalester is known for its politically engaged student body and active participation in social and political issues.
How do Davidson College and Macalester College compare in terms of athletic opportunities?

Davidson College competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily within the Atlantic 10 Conference. It offers a wide range of varsity sports and a strong athletic tradition. Macalester College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, primarily within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). While Macalester offers a variety of varsity sports, the emphasis is more on participation and a balance between academics and athletics. If you're looking for a more intense and competitive athletic environment, Davidson might be a better fit.
What are the differences in cost and financial aid opportunities at Davidson College and Macalester College?

Both Davidson College and Macalester College are selective and have similar costs of attendance. Both institutions offer comprehensive financial aid packages, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. The specific amount of aid you receive will depend on your individual financial circumstances and academic profile. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and use their net price calculators to get an estimate of your potential costs.
How do Davidson College and Macalester College approach career services and post-graduation outcomes?

Both Davidson and Macalester are committed to helping students prepare for their careers after graduation. Both colleges offer career counseling, internship opportunities, and networking events. Davidson's location in the Southeast provides connections to regional employers, while Macalester's location in the Twin Cities offers access to a diverse range of industries. Both colleges boast high rates of graduates attending graduate school or securing employment within a year of graduation.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at Davidson College that are not available at Macalester College, and vice versa?

Davidson College is known for its Venture Scholars Program, which provides students with entrepreneurial opportunities and mentorship. Macalester College, on the other hand, offers a unique emphasis on international study and research, with numerous opportunities for students to study abroad and conduct research in global settings. Macalester's location also allows for strong partnerships with local non-profits and organizations focused on social justice.
If I'm interested in a specific major, how do Davidson College and Macalester College compare in that area?

While both colleges offer a wide range of majors, it's important to research the specific departments and faculty within your area of interest. For example, if you're interested in economics, you should compare the economics departments at both colleges, looking at faculty research interests, course offerings, and internship opportunities. Similarly, if you're interested in international studies, you should compare the programs and resources available at each institution. Visiting the campuses and speaking with current students and faculty can provide valuable insights.

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