Smith College vs Macalester College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences between Smith College and Macalester College?

  Smith College is a historically women's college located in Northampton, Massachusetts, known for its strong liberal arts focus and commitment to women's education. Macalester College, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a coeducational liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on internationalism, civic engagement, and social justice. Smith offers a more traditional single-sex college experience, while Macalester provides a coeducational environment with a global perspective.

• How do the academic programs at Smith and Macalester compare?

  Both Smith and Macalester offer a wide range of liberal arts programs. Smith is particularly strong in the humanities, arts, and sciences, with notable programs in engineering and performing arts. Macalester excels in international studies, political science, economics, and environmental studies. While both emphasize interdisciplinary learning, Macalester's curriculum often incorporates a global or social justice lens.

• What is the campus environment like at each college?

  Smith College boasts a beautiful, traditional campus with a strong sense of community fostered by its house system. The campus is located in a vibrant college town with access to the Five College Consortium. Macalester's campus is located in a residential neighborhood of Saint Paul, offering a more urban feel and easy access to the Twin Cities' cultural and professional opportunities. Macalester's campus culture is known for its activism and engagement with social issues.

• How do the student bodies at Smith and Macalester differ?

  Smith College primarily enrolls women, creating a unique and empowering academic environment. Macalester College is coeducational and attracts a diverse student body from across the United States and around the world, with a significant percentage of international students. Both colleges attract academically strong and intellectually curious students, but Macalester tends to have a higher percentage of students interested in international affairs and social justice.

• What are the career services and opportunities like at Smith and Macalester?

  Both Smith and Macalester offer comprehensive career services, including advising, internships, and networking opportunities. Smith benefits from its strong alumnae network, which provides valuable connections and mentorship for students. Macalester leverages its location in the Twin Cities to offer internships and career opportunities in a variety of fields, particularly in business, non-profit, and government sectors. Both colleges prepare students for graduate school and a wide range of professional careers.

• What is the cost of attendance and financial aid situation at Smith and Macalester?

  The cost of attendance at both Smith and Macalester is comparable, and both institutions are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of their students. Both offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and use their net price calculators to get a personalized estimate of the cost of attendance based on your family's financial situation.

• What are the advantages of attending a women's college like Smith versus a coeducational college like Macalester?

  Attending a women's college like Smith can provide a supportive and empowering environment where women can thrive academically and develop leadership skills without gender-based stereotypes. A coeducational college like Macalester offers a more diverse social environment and prepares students for working in mixed-gender settings. The best choice depends on your individual learning style and preferences.

• How do the locations of Smith and Macalester impact the student experience?

  Smith College's location in Northampton, Massachusetts, offers a quintessential New England college town experience with a strong arts and culture scene. The Five College Consortium provides access to courses and resources at Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst. Macalester's location in Saint Paul, Minnesota, provides access to the vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area, with its diverse cultural attractions, professional opportunities, and thriving arts scene. The urban setting offers a different kind of college experience, with more opportunities for engagement with the wider community.

• What are some notable alumni from Smith College and Macalester College?

  Smith College boasts a distinguished alumnae network including Barbara Bush (former First Lady), Gloria Steinem (feminist activist), and Julia Child (chef and author). Macalester College's notable alumni include Kofi Annan (former Secretary-General of the United Nations), Walter Mondale (former Vice President of the United States), and Tim O'Brien (author). These alumni reflect the colleges' respective strengths in leadership, public service, and the arts.

• How do Smith and Macalester approach diversity and inclusion?

  Both Smith and Macalester are committed to diversity and inclusion, but they approach it in different ways. Smith focuses on creating an inclusive environment for women from diverse backgrounds. Macalester emphasizes global perspectives and social justice, actively recruiting students from around the world and promoting dialogue on issues of equity and inclusion. Both colleges have programs and initiatives designed to support students from underrepresented groups.