Merit Scholarship Awards
Macalester has one of the comprehensive merit programs among highly selective colleges. It is one of a small number of colleges that provides a financial aid package equal to one-hundred percent of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student AND offers a robust program of merit-based scholarships.
All applicants for admission to Macalester are considered for merit-based scholarships
No additional scholarship application is required.
- 4 out of 5 Macalester students receive a merit-based scholarship (and many of those students also receive need-based financial aid).
- All of Macalester’s merit scholarships are awarded for eight semesters. There is no minimum GPA required for renewal.
RECEIVE UP TO $40,000 IN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
It is not necessary to apply for need-based financial aid to receive full consideration for merit-based scholarships (no FAFSA or CSS Profile required). Students applying Early Decision receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships as students who apply Regular Decision.
Students selected for merit-based scholarships are notified by the Admissions Office at the same time they are notified of admission. Macalester awards all merit scholarship at the time of admission, there are no additional awards after admission.
Macalester also offers Macalester College National Merit Scholarships, which are awarded to National Merit Finalists who have designated Macalester as their first-choice college. Our Non-Need-Based Scholarship Policy page contains more details about merit-based scholarships and a listing of all available scholarships.
Quick College Cost Estimator
MyinTuition is a tool that can help you anticipate your college costs and estimate your eligibility for need-based financial aid. An education at Macalester may be more affordable than you think.
Early Financial Aid Assessment
For high school seniors who know Macalester is their college of choice and want to apply Early Decision, the Early Financial Aid Assessment gives them an early view of their financial aid package, including merit scholarships. It can reduce the worry about a binding decision and give help them apply Early Decision I or II with confidence.
Hear from Mac Students
Explore our video viewbook and discover more about our values, academics, and location in the Twin Cities. See the videos, photos, and details that give you an inside view into our Macalester community.