Mathematics at Macalester College

Macalester's mathematics program places graduates in strong earning territory—$57,166 puts them in the 79th percentile nationally, well above the $48,772 median for math majors. However, within Minnesota's competitive landscape, this outcome is more typical, landing at the 60th percentile and trailing St. Olaf ($58,825) and the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus ($58,153). With debt at $22,483, students finish with a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they'd owe less than 40% of their first year's salary.

For families choosing between Minnesota's private liberal arts colleges, Macalester delivers comparable financial outcomes to its peers at similar debt levels. The real question becomes whether the college's distinctive urban campus and international focus justify paying private tuition when the University of Minnesota produces nearly identical earnings at likely lower cost. Macalester's selectivity (28% admission rate, 1424 SAT) suggests strong student preparation, though only 17% receive Pell grants, indicating limited socioeconomic diversity.

The mathematics degree itself provides solid footing for early career earnings, and the modest debt means graduates have flexibility to pursue graduate school or lower-paying positions without crushing financial pressure. If your child values Macalester's specific culture and learning environment, the financial fundamentals support that choice—just recognize you're paying for the overall experience rather than significantly superior math program outcomes.