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Building a Diverse and Inclusive Community Starts Here

At Macalester, we work to cultivate a respectful and affirming learning environment, creating access and inclusion for our students and community. Macalester lives its values through connection, collective action, and shared visioning. Students can foster their growth, sense of belonging, and purpose through a range of programs and student organizations.

Mac student Shweta still image from video Open Modal

Be your authentic self

Shweta ’26 shares how she holds multiple identities and has found Macalester to be a place where she can grow and explore her talents, interests, and culture. [VIDEO]

Be your authentic self

Shweta ’26 shares how she holds multiple identities and has found Macalester to be a place where she can grow and explore her talents, interests, and culture. [VIDEO]

TOGETHER WE FORM THE MAC COMMUNITY

Macalester’s student experience is richer, with deeper meaning, when our student body reflects our mission and values. Diverse perspectives from varied backgrounds bring new questions and energizing conversations to everything from classroom discussions to late night chats.

40%

U.S. STUDENTS WHO IDENTIFY AS PEOPLE OF COLOR

15%

STUDENTS WHO ARE FIRST GENERATION TO COLLEGE

21%

U.S. STUDENTS WHO ARE PELL GRANT RECIPIENTS

88+

SPOKEN LANGUAGES

107

COUNTRIES OF REPRESENTATION

1 in 5

ARE STUDENT ATHLETES

SPACES DESIGNED FOR CONNECTION AND SUPPORT

There are many ways to engage in conversation, programming, and community around identities and culture. You belong AND you can find belonging, among staff and classmates who are vested in your success and well-being. These campus resources are open without judgment, welcoming students and ready to support them in their college journey.

Video still shot of student Juan Open Modal

FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY

At Macalester, Juan ’24 found opportunities around the world to further his passion for Neuroscience. As a first generation student he collaborated with mentors and professors to connect to ground-breaking research that led to a role at the Broad Institute in Massachusetts after graduation. [VIDEO]

FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY

At Macalester, Juan ’24 found opportunities around the world to further his passion for Neuroscience. As a first generation student he collaborated with mentors and professors to connect to ground-breaking research that led to a role at the Broad Institute in Massachusetts after graduation. [VIDEO]

Scholarships & Grants that Support Our Mission

These examples represent just a fraction of the funding opportunities awarded to Macalester students. Students seek out scholarships and grants through the Academic and Advising Office, Institute for Global Citizenship, and Career Exploration, while professors are consistently connecting their students to opportunities based on their interests and career pursuits.

Students discussing a project

Davis Projects for Peace

Every year, student leaders from around the world are each awarded a $10,000 grant to implement a “Project for Peace,” typically over summer break. Macalester students who have received this award have led and participated in projects around health, education, and female empowerment, just to name a few.

Two students posing - happy about their project

Live It Fund

Live It Fund supports students in activating the change they wish to see in the world. Students are provided funding and hands-on support in developing, testing, and piloting innovative solutions to complex problems they have identified on campus, in community, and across the globe.

Students standing by photo exhibit

Racial Justice Project Fund

The Racial Justice Project Fund was started specifically for programs, projects, and events that advance racial justice at Macalester. Projects may include speakers and events, art exhibits and installations, performances, partner programs with community organizations, and reading and dialogue groups.

PATHWAYS FOR BUILDING COMMUNITY

Students standing by photo exhibit

FIRST-YEAR PROGRAMS

Once enrolled at Macalester, eligible students are invited to participate in programs centered around community engagement and collaboration. Each program is unique in its goals and commitment level. Ametrica, Lives of Commitment, MentorUp, and Bonner start with an application and lead to incredible opportunities to grow and develop alongside classmates.

collage of student org signs

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

At any time in your college journey, student organizations are a top way to connect with classmates around shared identities and interests. Outdoor adventure, dance, languages, and community action are just some of the activities that bring students together.

Photo of stage at Congress to Campus event

Dialogue Across Difference

We believe more speech—not less—is vital to learning. We treat differences of opinion as opportunities to learn and grow. We foster an environment that encourages students to remain curious, listen deeply, practice discernment, and maintain a learning stance as they encounter ideas that are unfamiliar or even in conflict with their worldviews, inviting students to engage courageously. Take a look at the ways we come together to grow our understanding and create positive change.

CONNECT WITH US

Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and an Admissions representative will be in touch with you. 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Macalester College is located on the homeland of the Dakota people – Mni Sota Makoce [Mini SOta Ma-KOH-chay], which translates to Land Where the Waters Reflect the Clouds. Although they were forcibly exiled by aggressive and persistent settler colonialism, the Dakota people still flourish despite this painful history. We make this acknowledgment to honor the Dakota people, ancestors, and descendants, as well as the land itself. Macalester engages in ongoing work toward repair and partnership with the Dakota people and the land, as well as to support Indigenous members of our campus community.

President Rivera
President Rivera
“At Macalester, we build connections across differences through a deep appreciation for celebrating the variety of lived experiences within the human family.”
Dr. Suzanne Rivera Macalester President