Macalester College is a private undergraduate liberal arts college which emphasizes academic excellence in the context of internationalism, diversity, and a commitment to service. Since its founding in 1874, Macalester has maintained standards for scholarship equivalent to those of the finest colleges in the country in a context of high ethical standards and social concerns.

At Macalester College we believe that education is a fundamentally transforming experience. As a community of learners, the possibilities for this personal, social, and intellectual transformation extend to us all. We affirm the importance of the intellectual growth of the students, staff and faculty through individual and collaborative endeavor. We believe that this can best be achieved through an environment that values the diverse cultures of our world and recognizes our responsibility to provide a supportive and respectful environment for students, staff and faculty of all cultures and backgrounds.

Recently, a planning process has reaffirmed Macalester's core values and key strengths, and the college continues to seek new ways to apply them to the challenges of the 21st century. With the help of financial support from its alumni and friends, Macalester continues the traditions begun by its founders and carried forward throughout its history: providing an education of uncompromising academic quality to capable students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds and preparing them to make a significant and positive difference in the world.