McDaniel College vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

Compare McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with Benedict College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McDaniel College is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (2,868 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McDaniel College is located in Westminster, MD (Small Suburban setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• McDaniel College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McDaniel College 13:1; Benedict College 13:1.

McDaniel College vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McDaniel College or Benedict College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Benedict College than McDaniel College ($18,665 vs. $24,497).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 44.9% lower than at McDaniel College ($7,146 vs. $12,974).
• McDaniel College is 198.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $34,641 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 198.6% higher at McDaniel College than at Benedict College (about $34,641 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McDaniel College than at Benedict College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McDaniel College students is 205.4% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($40,721 vs. $13,335).

McDaniel College vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McDaniel College or Benedict College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Benedict College and McDaniel College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McDaniel College - Test-free; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than McDaniel College (77.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at McDaniel College vs. 8% at Benedict College.

McDaniel College vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McDaniel College and Benedict College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• McDaniel College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from McDaniel College earn a median of about $28,400 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have a $15,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($27,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have an estimated $164 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($279 vs. $443).
• More McDaniel College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 13%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.