Macalester's sports teams compete in the NCAA Division III-level Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

[8] Macalester College was founded by Edward Duffield Neill in 1874 with help from the Presbyterian Church in Minnesota.

He went on to found two local churches, was appointed the first Chancellor of the University of Minnesota, and became the state's first superintendent of public education.

With additional funding from the Presbyterian Church and its trustees, Macalester College opened for courses in 1885 with five teachers, six freshmen, and 52 preparatory students.

[15] Many student organizations focus on sustainability, including Macalester Conservation and Renewable Energy Society (MacCARES), Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG), Mac Bike, Macalester Urban Land and Community Health (MULCH), and Outing Club.

[17] Other projects include the Eco-House, a student residence with a range of green features and research opportunities; a rain garden that prevents stormwater from running off into groundwater, a bike share program, and a veggie co-op.

[22] In 2009, Macalester opened Markim Hall, a LEED Platinum building that houses the school's Institute for Global Citizenship.

The campaign initially proposed full endowment divestment from the top 200 publicly traded fossil fuel companies, which Macalester's Social Responsibility Committee rejected in 2015.

[25][26] In 2018, the Social Responsibility Committee unanimously approved a revised Fossil Free Mac proposal[27] advocating a moratorium on the college's direct investment partnerships with oil and gas companies, which the board of trustees is considering.

[40] Macalester was named one of the Hidden Ivies based on academics, admissions process, financial aid, and student experience.

[41] Its most popular majors, based on 2021 graduates, were:[42] Macalester is considered "most selective" by the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

[45] During January, Macalester students may earn up to two semester credits in independent projects, internships, or Macalester-sponsored off-campus courses.

[55] Macalester also allows students to earn their work-study financial aid award while working at a local nonprofit or elementary school.

[4] Many student organizations encourage active civic engagement, including MPIRG, Maction, Queer Union (QU), Macalester Habitat for Humanity.

[55] Macalester is the primary financial contributor and sponsor of the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth, which was founded in 1967 and has its main facilities in the Lampert Building.

[60] Macalester has a student-powered Gender and Sexuality Resource Center that aims to build a culture of resistance against all forms of oppression.

[61] It also has active LGBTQ student organizations and groups, including Queer Union, the Trans Identity Collective, Allies Project Training, and the Macalester Out and Proud Community.

Bagpipes are performed at significant college events and are heard when applicants open their acceptance letters.

In the 1930s, students jokingly brought bagpipes to campus as a reference to the college's Scottish name, which started the tradition.

Macalester is a member of the NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in all sports.

The Scots' football team set an NCAA Division III record by losing 50 straight games from 1974 to 1980.

The losing streak ended in dramatic fashion: Kicker Bob Kaye put a 23-yarder through the uprights with 11 seconds remaining in a September 1980 game as the Scots beat Mount Senario College.

[66] Both men's and women's soccer teams remain competitive, appearing in multiple NCAA playoffs since 1995.

Mental Floss cited one of Macalester sports fans' most (in)famous cheers—"Drink blood, smoke crack, worship Satan, go Mac!