About McDaniel College
McDaniel College trains students in the liberal arts tradition on a small campus in Westminster, Maryland. The school enrolls 1,652 students and sits in a town-fringe setting that balances academic focus with real-world access. McDaniel operates on a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar system that includes an intensive January term for specialized study or internships. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. Students know McDaniel for its strong sense of community and personalized attention from professors who prioritize teaching.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $63,691 annually, most students pay far less after aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $20,923, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $60,663 ten years after leaving campus, while typical debt loads hit $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, a manageable burden given earning potential.
The Green Terror athletic teams compete in 24 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, with 466 student-athletes participating. Nearly 75% of students come from Maryland, creating strong in-state connections. The student body breaks down as 58% women and 42% men, with significant diversity including 23% Black students.
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price reaches $63,691 annually, most students pay far less after aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $20,923, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $60,663 ten years after leaving campus, while typical debt loads hit $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, a manageable burden given earning potential.
The Green Terror athletic teams compete in 24 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level, with 466 student-athletes participating. Nearly 75% of students come from Maryland, creating strong in-state connections. The student body breaks down as 58% women and 42% men, with significant diversity including 23% Black students.
Academics & Faculty
McDaniel operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse subjects before specializing. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized guidance. About 65% of students graduate within four years, reflecting steady academic progress with close faculty mentorship. The college built its reputation on strong programs in education, psychology, and business. Students benefit from small seminar-style classes where discussion and critical thinking take priority over lectures. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a focused January term for internships, study abroad, or intensive courses. This structure allows students to dive deep into subjects while maintaining broad intellectual exposure typical of liberal arts education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.8%
- Retention Rate
- 78.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,663
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $61,630 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $56,415 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,693 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,607 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,823 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $46,478 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $43,240 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,937 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
Campus Life
McDaniel's 160-acre campus sits in Westminster, Maryland, about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore and an hour from Washington DC. With housing for 1,446 students and total enrollment of 1,652, nearly 88% of students live on campus. You'll need that winter coat for Maryland's four seasons, especially during January's 4-1-4 interim term when students dive into intensive courses or internships.
The Green Terror nickname reflects the school's quirky spirit that dates back to a 1920s sportswriter's creative description. With 466 athletes competing across 24 Division III sports, about 28% of students play varsity athletics. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Weekend life revolves around campus events, trips to nearby Baltimore for Orioles games or Inner Harbor visits, and the tight-knit community that comes with a small liberal arts college. The 4-1-4 calendar system gives students a unique January experience, whether studying abroad, completing internships, or taking unusual courses like "The Mathematics of Juggling."
The Green Terror nickname reflects the school's quirky spirit that dates back to a 1920s sportswriter's creative description. With 466 athletes competing across 24 Division III sports, about 28% of students play varsity athletics. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Weekend life revolves around campus events, trips to nearby Baltimore for Orioles games or Inner Harbor visits, and the tight-knit community that comes with a small liberal arts college. The 4-1-4 calendar system gives students a unique January experience, whether studying abroad, completing internships, or taking unusual courses like "The Mathematics of Juggling."
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,446 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–41°F
- July Avg
- 63°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.0"
Student Demographics
McDaniel draws primarily from Maryland families who value its liberal arts tradition and tight-knit community feel. Three-quarters of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong regional reputation built over 150 years. The student body is diverse, with students of color comprising nearly half the campus. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing McDaniel's commitment to making private education accessible to working-class families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, typical of liberal arts colleges where programs in education, social work, and humanities attract more female students.
- Men
- 41.7%
- Women
- 58.4%
- White
- 55.2%
- Black
- 22.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.6%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 74.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.8%
Location
Westminster sits 30 miles northwest of Baltimore in Maryland's rolling countryside. The town of 18,000 residents provides a classic college town atmosphere without the distractions of a major city. Carroll County's rural setting offers students access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation in the nearby Catoctin Mountains. McDaniel's campus dominates the historic downtown area, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows students to explore Baltimore's internship opportunities during the January term. Washington D.C. lies just 60 miles south, making government internships accessible. The college draws 74.87% of its students from in-state. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare McDaniel College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Westminster, Maryland 21157
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,663
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,050
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at McDaniel College?
McDaniel College accepts 82% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,652 enrolled students, creating an intimate learning environment on its Westminster campus.
How much does McDaniel College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,923 after aid, less than the $49,647 sticker price. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $38,848, helping make this liberal arts education more affordable.
What academic programs is McDaniel College known for?
McDaniel operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for intensive study or internships. With a 79% first-year retention rate, students benefit from small classes and personalized attention in this traditional liberal arts setting.
What are employment outcomes like for McDaniel College graduates?
McDaniel graduates achieve a 95.6% employment rate and earn a median salary of $60,663 ten years after graduation. The college's 64% four-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment, though some students take longer to complete their degrees.
Where is McDaniel College located and what is campus life like?
McDaniel sits in Westminster, Maryland, a small town setting that houses 1,446 students in on-campus facilities. The Green Terror compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports with 466 student-athletes, creating a spirited campus community despite the school's small size.
Does McDaniel College have a diverse student body?
The student body is 55% white, 23% Black, and 11% Hispanic, with women comprising 58% of enrollment. About 75% of students come from Maryland, creating a strong regional presence while maintaining meaningful diversity for a small liberal arts college.
