Macalester Recognized as ‘Dream School’ in NYT Bestseller

Macalester College has been named one of the nation’s top dream schools in a new book by bestselling author and college admissions expert Jeffrey Selingo. In Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, Selingo singles out Macalester’s unique value as a liberal arts college offering plentiful urban opportunities in the heart of the Twin Cities.

Unlike traditional rankings that often focus on prestige, Dream School highlights colleges that deliver strong career outcomes, rich experiential learning opportunities, and an inclusive sense of belonging. The book debuted at #7 on The New York Times Bestseller List and aims to provide a roadmap for students and families looking to identify quality, affordable choices.

Selingo, whose work regularly appears in news publications around the country, compiled the list after conducting extensive research on more than 3,900 U.S. colleges. 

“Finding your Dream School isn’t about fixating on a single name or a universally understood brand,” Selingo writes. “It’s about choosing a place where you can thrive, learn, and become the person you’re meant to be.”

Identified as one of 75 “new dream schools” by the author, Macalester was picked for its accessible admissions processes, high student engagement, and career outcomes that often “punch above the school’s weight.” 

Setting Macalester apart from other liberal arts institutions, Selingo writes, is its location in St. Paul, which affords it rare urban opportunities. The book highlights that a “remarkable 73 percent of students complete internships or research before graduation, aided by 200 internship sites within eight miles.” Selingo also acknowledges that Macalester students rarely stay on campus for their entire collegiate journey. Instead, 60 percent of Scots choose to study abroad.

“Being included as a ‘Dream School’ affirms what we already know: Macalester provides a distinctive liberal arts education that emphasizes high-impact practices and experiential learning,” Macalester College President Suzanne Rivera said. “As author Jeffrey Selingo notes, Mac’s dedication to providing significant learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom, like internships, study away programs, and hands-on research opportunities, prepares our students to thrive in their careers and communities.”

New national rankings for 2026 support Macalester’s place as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Washington Monthly ranked the college #4 among liberal arts institutions, and U.S. News & World Report placed Mac at #10 for undergraduate teaching. 

The Macalester application for Fall 2026 is now open. Prospective students can learn more and apply at macalester.edu.