The Philosophy

For many years, Macalester has been committed to meeting 100 percent of each admitted student’s demonstrated financial need.

Financial aid counselors complete a thorough assessment of each student’s background and assemble a package of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study employment stipends. Macalester’s endowment contributes to the financial aid budget every year, and many generous alumni have established endowed scholarships for crucial financial aid, study away, or research opportunities. Our approach to financial aid opens up the entire vibrant Macalester experience for students, allowing them to focus on the rigorous coursework and rich campus life instead of worrying about the next tuition bill.

“It’s very important to me personally to be able to have a financial aid program that allows any student whose family is committed to Macalester to be able to attend and graduate from Macalester.”
—Brian Lindeman ’89,
Director of Financial Aid

NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID AWARDED TO U.S. FIRST-YEARS, Fall 2015

Chart of need-based aid

The comprehensive fee for 2015–16 is $59,761. Macalester students from many different backgrounds rely on financial aid, including some who may not receive need-based aid at other institutions.

Need-aware update

The college’s 2006 shift from a need-blind to a need-aware assessment in its admissions and financial aid evaluation has left campus demographics relatively unchanged. In fact, the percentage of students receiving financial aid and the percentage of students from low-income backgrounds has remained the same or increased. The chart below illustrates the range of family incomes among Macalester students.

INCOME RANGES OF MACALESTER FAMILIES

Chart of family incomes.

Students from every economic background attend Macalester.