McDaniel College vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than McDaniel College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 2,868 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McDaniel College is located in Westminster, MD (Small Suburban setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• McDaniel College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McDaniel College 13:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

McDaniel College vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McDaniel College or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University than McDaniel College ($14,475 vs. $24,497).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McDaniel College are 3.5% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,974 vs. $13,450).
• McDaniel College is 677.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $45,382 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.9% higher at McDaniel College than at North Carolina Central University (about $32,346 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McDaniel College than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McDaniel College students is 239.4% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($40,721 vs. $11,999).

McDaniel College vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McDaniel College or North Carolina Central University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between North Carolina Central University and McDaniel College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresNorth Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresNorth Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McDaniel College - Test-free; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman McDaniel College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than McDaniel College (77.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at McDaniel College vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

McDaniel College vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McDaniel College and North Carolina Central University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• McDaniel College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from McDaniel College earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, McDaniel College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More McDaniel College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 23%)

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.