Macalester  /  Financial aid

Paying for Macalester

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Macalester actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Macalester for families earning under $100,000 a year. Macalester Tuition Promise: free tuition for domestic students with family income under $100k (starting fall 2026); international students receive need-based aid but are excluded from the Tuition Promise

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Macalester's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$13,772/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$11,982/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$11,098/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$20,527/yr after aid
$110k+$44,880/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$86,952
Tuition & fees$70,862
Room & board$17,430
Average net price$30,555
Students on aid87%
Financial needMeets 100% of demonstrated need
International studentsOffers need-based aid to international students

Macalester cost & aid FAQ

How much does Macalester cost after financial aid?

The average family pays about $30,555 per year at Macalester after grants and scholarships, against a sticker price of $86,952. Use the calculator to estimate your own net price by family income.

What does Macalester cost by family income?

At Macalester, the average total net price (tuition, room, board and fees, after aid) is about $13,772 per year for families earning under $30,000 and about $44,880 for families earning over $110,000. Net price rises with income because most aid is need-based.

Does Macalester offer free tuition?

Yes. Macalester waives tuition for families earning under $100,000 a year. That covers tuition itself; room, board and fees may still apply, so the total cost can be above zero.

Does Macalester give financial aid to international students?

Offers need-based aid to international students. International applicants should confirm aid policies directly with Macalester's financial aid office.

Does Macalester meet full financial need?

Meets 100% of demonstrated need. Meeting need means the school aims to cover the gap between its cost and what your family can pay, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

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