McDaniel College
About McDaniel College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
McDaniel College is a private liberal arts college in Westminster, Maryland, between Baltimore and Gettysburg. It offers programs in business, kinesiology, political science, and social work, with a historic campus and strong study-abroad options.
Founded
1867
Location
Westminster, Maryland
Students
2,865
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
63.3%
Near national average
Tuition
$52,081
Per year
Avg Net Price
$21,916
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$60,663
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
McDaniel College accepts the majority of applicants at 77.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
63.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76%
4-Year Grad
56%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
25.2%
$/Student
$10.3K
Class Size
Medium
56% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$52,081
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,974
Books & Supplies
$1,522
Total Cost of Attendance
$65,294
After Financial Aid
$21,916
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,210
Receive Grants
36.1%
Take Loans
58.4%
Don't let the $52,081 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $21,916 after financial aid, a 58% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $12,210.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at McDaniel College fund their education.
While in School
36.1%
Get Grants
Free money
58.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$70,197
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $61K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends McDaniel College.
Gender
55.8%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,617
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,248
Graduates
26.4%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 26.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
1,617
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
McDaniel College fields 15 varsity teams with 616 student athletes, about 38% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Centennial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
616
38% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
391
Men
225
Women
12
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of McDaniel Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$60,663
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$60K
50 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$59K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$38K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
—
22 grads
Political Science and Government
—
21 grads
Earnings grow steadily here: $48K at six years, $47K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about McDaniel College
What is the acceptance rate at McDaniel College?▾
How much does McDaniel College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at McDaniel College?▾
How much do McDaniel College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.