McDaniel College vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than McDaniel College based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 2,868 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McDaniel College is located in Westminster, MD (Small Suburban setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• McDaniel College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McDaniel College 13:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

McDaniel College vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McDaniel College or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than McDaniel College ($9,124 vs. $24,497).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 10.7% lower than at McDaniel College ($11,591 vs. $12,974).
• McDaniel College is 411.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $41,901 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.2% higher at McDaniel College than at Norfolk State University (about $30,399 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McDaniel College than at Norfolk State University (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McDaniel College students is 170.5% larger than aid received by Norfolk State University students ($40,721 vs. $15,056).

McDaniel College vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McDaniel College or NSU? 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 NSU and McDaniel College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McDaniel College - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McDaniel College students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than McDaniel College (77.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at McDaniel College vs. 13.2% at NSU.

McDaniel College vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McDaniel College and NSU? 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 Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from McDaniel College earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More McDaniel College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 27%)

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.