After completing a master's degree in English at NYU, he earned an additional MA and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

In 1920, he and his wife joined Henry Seidel Canby, and other friends in founding Yelping Hill Association, a community in northwestern CT. MacCracken was president of Vassar from 1915 to 1946.

[2] A proponent of women's suffrage and liberal political views in general, MacCracken was fired for holding such beliefs in 1918.

However, three trustees resigned and students protested, so MacCracken was returned to his position.

[4] MacCracken died on May 7, 1970, at his home, 87 New Hackensack Road, in Poughkeepsie, New York.