McDaniel College

Westminster, MD

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,652

Total Students

$50K

Tuition (In-State)

$50K

Tuition (Out-State)

$21K

Avg Net Price

84%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Graduation Rate

6-year

79%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About McDaniel College

McDaniel College: A pioneering legacy of coeducation and global learning.

McDaniel College, originally founded as Western Maryland College in 1867, holds a distinguished place in American educational history as the first coeducational institution south of the Mason-Dixon line. From its very first class of 37 men and women, McDaniel has championed an inclusive vision, setting a precedent for diversity long before many of its peers. This commitment to an open and accessible education continues to define the college, evolving from its early affiliations with the Methodist Protestant Church to its current independent status.

Today, McDaniel College is known for fostering a vibrant learning environment that extends beyond its picturesque Westminster, Maryland campus. Its innovative spirit led to the establishment of McDaniel College Budapest in 1994, offering students a unique international experience. The college also boasts a rich tapestry of history, from housing a Cold War-era bunker to serving as the summer training camp for the NFL's Baltimore Colts and later the Baltimore Ravens until 2011, reflecting its deep ties to the region.

Renamed in 2002 to honor alumnus William Roberts McDaniel, a figure with a remarkable 65-year association with the institution, the college signifies a continuous dedication to its heritage while embracing forward-thinking education. Under the leadership of current president Julia Jasken, inaugurated in 2021, McDaniel College continues its journey of academic growth and community engagement, preparing students for an ever-changing world with a foundation rooted in a rich and progressive past.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1867 as Western Maryland College, making it the first coeducational institution south of the Mason-Dixon line.
✦Renamed McDaniel College in 2002, honoring alumnus William Roberts McDaniel and his 65-year association with the institution.
✦Established McDaniel College Budapest in 1994, extending its educational reach internationally.
✦Served as the summer training camp for the NFL's Baltimore Colts and later Baltimore Ravens until the 2011 season.
✦Pioneered faculty rights in Maryland by becoming the second four-year university in the state to have adjunct faculty unionize in 2016.
✦Current president, Julia Jasken, was inaugurated in November 2021, leading the college into its next chapter.

Timeline

1867

Founded as Western Maryland College, enrolling 37 men and women in its inaugural class, pioneering coeducation south of the Mason-Dixon line.

1868

Began a voluntary fraternal affiliation with the Methodist Protestant Church.

1958

Baker Memorial Chapel was dedicated, featuring a large organ and carillon.

1974

Ties with the United Methodist Church were cut after a court challenge regarding state funding.

1975

Agreed to permanently remove religious symbols from campus chapels and introduce quotas for Methodist representation on its board and faculty.

1994

McDaniel College Budapest (formerly Western Maryland College Budapest) was established as its European campus.

2002

Officially became McDaniel College on July 1, honoring alumnus William Roberts McDaniel.

2011

The Baltimore Ravens NFL team relocated its summer training camp from McDaniel College to its Owings Mills facility.

2016

Adjunct faculty at McDaniel voted to unionize, becoming the second four-year university in Maryland with collective bargaining for part-time employees.

2021

Julia Jasken was inaugurated as the current president of McDaniel College.

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