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

A pioneering coeducational college with a rich history and global reach.

McDaniel College, originally founded in 1867 as Western Maryland College, stands as a beacon of progressive education. From its inception, it was a trailblazer, making history as the first coeducational institution south of the Mason-Dixon line. Its original charter boldly welcomed students without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national, or ethnic origin, laying the groundwork for a truly inclusive community.

Rooted in a spirit of independence, the college's early funding came from Methodist Protestant laymen, despite its name honoring the Western Maryland Railroad. Over the decades, it navigated a fascinating evolution, including a voluntary affiliation with the Methodist Church that eventually concluded in 1974. Campus landmarks like the majestic Baker Memorial Chapel, dedicated in 1958, reflect its enduring legacy and architectural beauty, visible for miles around.

In 2002, the institution embraced a new identity, officially becoming McDaniel College to honor William Roberts McDaniel, a distinguished alumnus with a remarkable 65-year association. Today, McDaniel continues to innovate with its European campus, McDaniel College Budapest, established in 1994, offering students unique international opportunities. With President Julia Jasken leading the way, McDaniel College remains dedicated to an engaging and dynamic academic environment.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1867 as Western Maryland College, it was the first coeducational institution south of the Mason–Dixon line.
✦Officially renamed McDaniel College in 2002, honoring alumnus William Roberts McDaniel and his 65-year association.
✦Established a European campus, McDaniel College Budapest, in 1994, offering international study experiences.
✦Pioneered an inclusive charter from its founding, welcoming students "without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national or ethnic origin."
✦Features the iconic Baker Memorial Chapel, dedicated in 1958, with a steeple 113 feet tall and an organ with 2,310 pipes.
✦Served as the summer training camp for the NFL's Baltimore Colts and later Baltimore Ravens until the 2011 season.
✦Current President Julia Jasken was inaugurated in November 2021, leading the college into its next chapter.

Timeline

1867

Founded as Western Maryland College, pioneering coeducation south of the Mason–Dixon line.

1868

Began a voluntary fraternal affiliation with the Methodist Protestant Church.

1958

Baker Memorial Chapel, a prominent campus landmark, was dedicated.

1974

Severed its ties with the United Methodist Church after a court case.

1994

Established its European campus, McDaniel College Budapest, in collaboration with College International Budapest.

2002

Officially became McDaniel College, honoring alumnus William Roberts McDaniel.

2011

Concluded its long-standing role as the summer training camp for the Baltimore Ravens NFL team.

2016

Adjunct faculty at the college voted to unionize, joining Service Employees International Union Local 500.

2021

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

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