Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.8%
- Retention Rate
- 78.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $60,663
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $23,335 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,607 | $25,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $46,478 | $51,237 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $43,240 | $24,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,937 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $25,300 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $27,669 | $20,110 |
Outcomes Overview
McDaniel graduates earn a median of $60,663 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 with typical debt loads of $25,000. Monthly loan payments of $265 represent about 5% of median earnings, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong liberal arts foundation sends graduates into diverse fields including education, business, and social work. With a 95.6% employment rate and a loan repayment rate of 79.4%, most alumni successfully transition to careers. However, the modest earnings growth from $49,886 at one year to $60,663 at ten years suggests limited salary progression compared to more specialized programs. Overall, McDaniel offers an average return on investment.