McDaniel College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McDaniel College is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,868 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McDaniel College is located in Westminster, MD (Small Suburban setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• McDaniel College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McDaniel College 13:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

McDaniel College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McDaniel College or Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University than McDaniel College ($15,814 vs. $24,497).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 11.3% lower than at McDaniel College ($11,512 vs. $12,974).
• McDaniel College is 389.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $41,433 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.4% higher at McDaniel College than at Bluefield State University (about $33,705 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McDaniel College than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McDaniel College students is 314.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($40,721 vs. $9,814).

McDaniel College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McDaniel College or Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University and McDaniel College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McDaniel College - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McDaniel College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than McDaniel College (77.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at McDaniel College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

McDaniel College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McDaniel College and Bluefield State University? 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from McDaniel College earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than McDaniel College graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McDaniel College graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More McDaniel College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 30%)

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.