Macalester College, founded in 1874, is a private liberal arts institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving approximately 2,000 undergraduates. The college emphasizes academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement, with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship between students and nationally recognized scholars.
The curriculum comprises over 800 courses annually, drawing from diverse disciplines. The student body reflects global reach: students represent 49 U.S. states and 107 countries, speaking 88 different languages. This diversity extends to faculty, who are recognized nationally for their scholarship and actively mentor students through the college's close-knit residential environment.
Macalester's Twin Cities location provides practical advantages for experiential learning. Students access over 200 internships within 8 miles of campus, alongside research, cultural, and volunteer opportunities. The college ranks #10 in U.S. News' Best Undergraduate Teaching category and fourth among Peace Corps' top volunteer-producing small colleges, reflecting its commitment to preparing engaged citizens.
