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.
Data 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.
Westminster, MD
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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.
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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.
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.
Student life at McDaniel College
79% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MDAcceptance rate: 100%
SAT: 1114–1372
ACT: 23–30
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MDAcceptance rate: 100%
ACT: 18–25
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDAcceptance rate: 75%
SAT: 790–970
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MDAcceptance rate: 11%
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