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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

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