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Macalester Tuition Promise

Starting with students who begin study in fall 2026, the Macalester Tuition Promise means that domestic students with family income below $100,000 and typical assets will receive a full-tuition scholarship from Macalester.

The Macalester Tuition Promise

The Macalester Tuition Promise is a reflection of Macalester’s long-standing commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This robust commitment to need-based financial aid has meant that almost all Macalester students with family income below $100,000 are already receiving scholarships and grants that cover full tuition. The Macalester Tuition Promise is designed to provide increased transparency early in the college search process so that more students understand that Macalester can be an affordable option.

Who is eligible?

Eligible students will meet these criteria:
  • Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Student and parents reside within the United States
  • Will begin study at Macalester in fall 2026 or later
  • Have family income (adjusted gross income as well as non-taxed income—see below for more detail) of $100,000 or less in the base calendar year. For example, the base income year for the 2026-2027 application cycle is 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Macalester Tuition Promise

  • How is income calculated?

    Income will include base year adjusted gross income (AGI) as well as non-taxed income. The most common form of non-taxed income is a contribution to a qualified retirement plan (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), et al).

    Losses from businesses, real estate, partnerships, or corporations will generally be ignored (those losses will not reduce income) when determining eligibility for the Macalester Tuition Promise.
  • What is the definition of typical assets?

    Families with assets that are unusually high for their income level may not qualify for the Macalester Tuition Promise. The evaluation of whether assets are typical will be made by the Macalester Financial Aid Office. Fewer than 10% of applicants will have assets that are considered to be outside of “typical” range.

    Assets evaluated will be the same assets that are considered in Macalester’s standard analysis of need for financial aid. Cash, savings, checking, investments (excluding qualified retirement accounts), home and business equity are considered.

    Even if an applicant is determined to have unusually high assets, Macalester will provide a financial aid package that meets 100% of their demonstrated need for financial aid.
  • Who will be considered for the Macalester Tuition Promise?

    All financial aid applicants who reside within the United States and will begin study fall 2026 or later are considered for the Macalester Tuition Promise. Standard financial aid application materials are required — there is no additional application for the Macalester Tuition Promise.
  • How does the Macalester Tuition Promise integrate with other forms of financial aid?

    Students who qualify for the Macalester Tuition Promise will receive scholarships and grants that are equal to or greater than Macalester’s tuition. In most cases, students who qualify will receive scholarships from Macalester that are equal to or exceed tuition.

    For eligible students who receive a tuition benefit based on parent/guardian employment (Macalester employees, ACTC employees, ACM employees, and parents/guardians who receive tuition benefits from other sources), the Macalester Tuition Promise will combine with the tuition benefit to equal tuition.

    Eligible students may qualify for Macalester need-based grants, Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant, et al exceeding tuition based on the result of their financial aid application.
  • Will eligible students be required to reapply each year?

    Yes, students who are eligible for the Macalester Tuition Promise will be required to complete the standard financial aid renewal process each year. Eligibility for the Macalester Tuition Promise is determined on an annual basis.

    In the unusual situation where a student loses eligibility for the Macalester Tuition Promise, they will still receive a financial aid package based on their demonstrated need for financial aid.
  • Are international students eligible for the Macalester Tuition Promise?

    International students and students who are US citizens with parents/guardians who live outside the United States are not eligible for the Macalester Tuition Promise.

    All admitted students, including international students, who apply for need-based financial aid receive a financial aid package equal to 100% of their demonstrated need for financial aid.
  • How does the Macalester Tuition Promise work with study away programs?

    Students are eligible for the Macalester Tuition Promise while studying away based on the same criteria used for all other semesters. Study away program fees in excess of Macalester’s tuition are not considered.