McDaniel College vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

McDaniel College is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (2,868 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McDaniel College is located in Westminster, MD (Small Suburban setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• McDaniel College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McDaniel College 13:1; Salem University 19:1.

McDaniel College vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McDaniel College or Salem 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 Salem University than McDaniel College ($10,231 vs. $24,497).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 35.3% lower than at McDaniel College ($8,400 vs. $12,974).
• McDaniel College is 337.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem University (about $40,181 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 337.7% higher at McDaniel College than at Salem University (about $40,181 more per year; $52,081.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McDaniel College as at Salem University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McDaniel College students is 375.2% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($40,721 vs. $8,569).

McDaniel College vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McDaniel College or Salem 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 Salem University and McDaniel College.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McDaniel College - Test-free; Salem University - Open admission.

McDaniel College vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McDaniel College and Salem 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 Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from McDaniel College earn a median of about $19,800 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem University graduates have a $382 lower median loan debt than McDaniel College graduates ($26,618 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McDaniel College graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More McDaniel College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University 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.