McDaniel College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
McDaniel’s sticker price is high, but the average merit award is also sizable, so your real question is likely affordability, not just admission. With a 77.9% acceptance rate and a 3.71 average GPA, focus on keeping grades strong and submitting test scores only if they clearly add to your application.
⬡ LangSmithde1304e2-52e2-4f84-83f8-1babc183fdfeData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
McDaniel College facts and stats
McDaniel College enrolls about 1,631 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. McDaniel’s freshman retention rate is 76%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 63%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
⬡ LangSmith8a25e6a4-e26b-45c3-b90a-120e75094bb6Westminster, MD
How does your GPA compare at McDaniel?
Key McDaniel College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
July 31
Early Action
December 15
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
McDaniel is test-optional, so follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October test date is typically the last retake that can arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith87e965a1-7761-487a-9803-d4a93aa38b68Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at McDaniel College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
McDaniel is a private not-for-profit, so the same $51,106 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. With 78% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $34,225, scholarships can play a meaningful role. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
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McDaniel College’s total cost of attendance includes $51,106 in tuition and fees, plus housing, meals, and other expenses. Aid is common: 78% of students receive financial aid, and the average aid package is $50,439. Merit awards are also meaningful, averaging $34,225. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $29,323.
⬡ LangSmith35d0901f-a9e7-49a4-a2f8-9e6bf2ef84b8Student life at McDaniel College
79% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Hood College
Frederick, MDAcceptance rate: 77.8%
Goucher College
Baltimore, MDAcceptance rate: 77.7%
SAT: 1115–1340
ACT: 27–30
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MDAcceptance rate: 82.1%
Appalachian Bible College
Mount Hope, WVAcceptance rate: 77.8%
SAT: 1036–1188
ACT: 21–23
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