Macalester College ranks fifth among institutions with fewer than 5,000 students in producing Gilman Scholars over the twenty-five-year history of the Gilman Program.
The US Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides merit-based scholarships to talented American undergraduate students with significant financial need, enabling them to study or intern abroad for academic credit.
127 Macalester students have received Gilman awards since 2012.
This recognition reflects Macalester’s commitment to providing students with international experiences that foster competitive career skills and global networks.
“Macalester students are tenacious,” said Alainna Swenson, assistant director of finance and operations in the Center for Study Away. “This recognition is a testament to their drive to succeed, their passion for learning, and their commitment to contributing to their local and global community.”
Through its history, the Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad, making it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduates who might not otherwise have the opportunity due to financial constraints.
The Gilman Program is administered by the US Department of State, funded by the US government, and supported in implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Small Institutions (fewer than 5,000 students)
- Spelman College
- Berea College
- The Evergreen State College
- Brandeis University
- Macalester College
- Mercer University
- Hobart William Smith Colleges
- Mount Holyoke College
- Barnard College
- College of Saint Benedict
- Agnes Scott College
- Beloit College
- University of Richmond
- Saint Edward’s University
- Augsburg University
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Arcadia University
- St Olaf College
- Denison University
- Clark University
- Vassar College
- Babson College
- Bucknell University
- Wellesley College
- Carleton College
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Smith College
- Spring Arbor University
This story was originally published on Mar. 12, 2026. It was updated on April 27, 2026 to include Macalester’s ranking.