Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 89.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 90.4%
- Retention Rate
- 94.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $63,878
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $71,575 | $21,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $24,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $23,745 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $35,274 | $23,118 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $23,324 |
| Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Geography and Cartography. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $19,049 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,222 | $21,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $21,508 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $15,817 |
Outcomes Overview
Macalester graduates earn a median of $63,878 ten years after graduation, which creates a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio since most leave with $23,000 in loans. Monthly payments of $244 represent just 4.6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong liberal arts foundation and international focus prepare students for careers in nonprofits, government, education, and consulting. Alumni like Walter Mondale and Kofi Annan show the school's pipeline to public service and global leadership roles. With 92.9% of graduates employed and an 88.74% loan repayment rate, the financial outcomes reflect solid career preparation. This represents a strong return on investment for students seeking meaningful work over maximum earnings.