Macalester announces new Macalester Tuition Promise financial aid initiative

This fall, the new Macalester Tuition Promise initiative marks the latest step in the college’s ongoing work to demystify the financial aid process and make a Mac education more accessible. Beginning with students applying to start their studies at Macalester in fall 2026, the college will offer a full-tuition scholarship to all admitted US students with a family income of $100,000 or less (and typical financial assets). The college will continue to meet 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

While the new policy is consistent with Mac’s current practices, it represents an important shift that provides more clarity to students and families earlier in the college search process.

“Because we pledge to meet each admitted student’s full demonstrated financial need, a Macalester education is more affordable than many families expect,” says President Suzanne M. Rivera. “With the Macalester Tuition Promise, we’ll be able to communicate that to prospective students and their families more clearly and effectively.”

The Macalester Tuition Promise builds on existing initiatives to reduce barriers in the admissions process, including:

• Adopting a test-optional application policy that doesn’t require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission
• Eliminating the admissions application fee
• Expanding partnerships with community-based organizations focused on expanding college access, such as QuestBridge, the Posse Foundation, TeenSharp, College Possible, and College Track.

For more information about the newest initiative: Macalester Tuition Promise