Macalester vs UC Irvine
How Macalester and UC Irvine stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Macalester | UC Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 28% | 29% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1360-1510 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Private | Public |
| Location | MN | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $86,952 | $36,264 |
| Average cost after aid | $30,555 | $16,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 4 |
- Macalester is harder to get into than UC Irvine (28% versus 29%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Irvine is usually the cheaper option ($16,200 versus $30,555 per year on average).
- On testing, Macalester is test-optional while UC Irvine is test-blind.
- UC Irvine asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Macalester vs UC Irvine FAQ
Is Macalester or UC Irvine harder to get into?
Macalester is harder to get into, admitting about 28% of applicants versus 29% at UC Irvine.
Is Macalester or UC Irvine cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Irvine is usually cheaper, about $16,200 per year on average versus $30,555 at Macalester.
See your real chances at Macalester and UC Irvine.
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