About

About McDaniel College

private liberal artssmall class sizestest optionalmasters programsmaryland liberal arts

McDaniel College is a private university in Westminster, MD, known for its private liberal arts, small class sizes, and test optional. With an acceptance rate of 82%, McDaniel College is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 467 students each year. McDaniel College is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. McDaniel College offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $41,234 per year; the sticker price of $61,658 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

McDaniel College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

82%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to McDaniel College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
In your essays or additional information section, reference McDaniel's signature January Term and name a specific course or off-campus experience you would pursue. This signals you have done real research and understand what makes McDaniel distinct from other liberal arts colleges.
Demonstrated Interest
Visit McDaniel's campus on the Hill in Westminster before you apply. The admissions office notices campus visits and McDaniel is small enough that making a personal connection with a counselor during your tour can actually move the needle.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What McDaniel College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$62k/yr$12.2k
30k-48k~$62k/yr$17.3k
48k-75k~$62k/yr$19.8k
75k-110k~$62k/yr$21.4k
110k+~$62k/yr$30.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

64%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$48k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,871
Undergrad Enrollment
McDaniel College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch