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Three-Year Residency Requirement: FAQ

This FAQ addresses common questions about Macalester College’s new three-year live-on-campus requirement, effective beginning with the Fall 2026 incoming cohort (Class of 2030).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The New Residency Requirement

Housing and Facilities

Financial and Cost Information

Exceptions and Enrollment

The New Residency Requirement

What is the new residency requirement?

Starting with the Fall 2026 incoming class, Macalester College will require students to live on campus for their first three years (six semesters). This guarantees students housing for those three years and aims to support belonging, academic success, and deeper engagement in the residential community.

Why is Macalester implementing a three-year residency requirement?

The requirement aligns with the College’s Comprehensive Campus Plan and strategic goals for student success. Living on campus provides stronger peer connections, access to 24/7 security staff, convenient access to campus resources, and a more supportive residential learning environment.

Does studying away count toward the requirement?

No, but students who study away for one semester will have one of the required six semesters waived.

Housing and Facilities

Will there be enough housing for three cohorts of students?

Yes. The new residence hall, scheduled to open in Fall 2027, will significantly expand housing capacity and enhance community spaces, ensuring sufficient on-campus housing for all students under the new requirement.

What are the living arrangements in the new residence hall?

The new residence hall, designed primarily for Juniors and Seniors, will feature a pod-style living design that balances independence and community. Each pod will include:

  • Mostly single bedrooms for privacy.
  • Shared common lounge areas.
  • Full kitchens for cooking flexibility.
  • Private-stall bathrooms and showers within the pod.

Will there be staff support in the residences?

Yes, the Residential Life program includes Resident Assistants (RAs), on-call trained professional staff, and a Residence Hall Director in the new building to provide 24/7 support, community building, emergency response, and assistance with student concerns.

Do students living in the new facility have to purchase a meal plan?

No. Students living in the new residence hall will not be required to be on the meal plan, as the facility includes full community kitchens, but they will still have access to flexible dining options (more information on meal plan options).

Financial and Cost Information

How will the cost of housing in the new facility compare to existing options?

Housing costs for the new facility will align with the current pricing structure. The College provides tools for transparently comparing on-campus and off-campus costs.

Will my financial aid apply to the on-campus housing costs?

Yes, financial aid will continue to be applied toward on-campus housing costs for eligible students.

Does living on campus save money compared to off-campus?

Living on campus remains a competitive and convenient option when you factor in expenses like rent, utilities, internet, and commuting costs that you would incur off-campus.

Exceptions and Enrollment

What if I have a family or medical need that requires me to live off campus?

Current processes for exception requests will continue. Students with documented needs (e.g., family or medical needs) or those who are granted an exemption from the three-year requirement will follow the existing college policies.

I am applying for Fall 2026. Will I learn more about the requirement before I enroll?

The College is committed to ensuring all prospective and admitted students understand the new policy. Information will be included in admitted student materials, on the Residential Life website, and discussed during campus visits and admitted student programming. Applicants in the binding Early Decision I, QuestBridge Match Finalists selected by Macalester, Macalester/Posse rounds, and Fall 2025 Defers will be directly contacted about the change.