Union College vs Macalester College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key academic differences between Union College and Macalester College?

  Union College emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on interdisciplinary study and a particularly robust engineering program. Macalester College also offers a strong liberal arts education, but it is known for its emphasis on internationalism, social justice, and global perspectives. Macalester has a more focused approach to international studies and a wider range of programs related to social sciences and humanities with a global focus. Union offers a more traditional liberal arts experience with a strong emphasis on STEM fields, especially engineering.

• How do the campus environments and locations compare?

  Union College is located in Schenectady, New York, a city with a more suburban feel, offering a traditional college town experience. Macalester College is situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a vibrant urban environment with access to the Twin Cities' cultural and professional opportunities. Macalester's location provides more immediate access to a diverse range of experiences, while Union offers a more self-contained campus environment.

• What is the student body like at each college?

  Both colleges attract academically strong and engaged students. Union College has a student body that is generally more focused on pre-professional tracks, including engineering and pre-med. Macalester College attracts a student body that is known for its progressive values, international interests, and commitment to social justice. Macalester's student body is also known for its diversity, both in terms of background and perspective.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Union College and Macalester College. However, financial aid packages can vary based on individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the net price calculators on each college's website to get a personalized estimate of costs.

• What are the strengths of the faculty at each institution?

  Both Union and Macalester boast highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Union College faculty are known for their commitment to undergraduate teaching and their ability to integrate research into the curriculum. Macalester faculty are known for their expertise in their fields, their commitment to student mentorship, and their focus on global issues and social justice. Both colleges emphasize small class sizes and close student-faculty interaction.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities differ?

  Both colleges offer robust career services. Union College's career services often have strong connections to engineering and pre-professional fields, leveraging its location in the Northeast. Macalester's career services are well-connected to organizations with a global focus and those involved in social justice and non-profit work, reflecting its student body's interests. Both colleges provide resources for internships, but the types of opportunities may vary based on the college's strengths and location.

• What are the extracurricular and social life options like?

  Both colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Union College has a strong Greek life presence and a more traditional college social scene. Macalester College has a more diverse and less traditional social scene, with a focus on student-led initiatives and community engagement. Both colleges offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities.

• Which college is better for students interested in engineering?

  Union College has a well-established and highly regarded engineering program, making it the better choice for students specifically interested in engineering. While Macalester offers STEM programs, its focus is not primarily on engineering.

• Which college is better for students interested in international relations or global studies?

  Macalester College is generally considered the stronger choice for students interested in international relations or global studies due to its curriculum, faculty expertise, and location in a diverse urban environment with strong international connections. While Union offers international programs, Macalester's focus is more pronounced.

• How do the alumni networks compare?

  Both Union and Macalester have active and supportive alumni networks. Union's network is particularly strong in the Northeast and in fields like engineering and business. Macalester's alumni network is known for its global reach and its commitment to social justice and international affairs. The strength of the network will depend on your specific career goals and interests.