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Hood College vs McDaniel College

Hood College is a private college in Frederick, MD, and McDaniel College is a private college in Westminster, MD. Both admit about 78% of applicants. Hood College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,873 a year against $21,916 at McDaniel College. About 64% of students graduate at McDaniel College, compared with 56% at Hood College. Ten years after enrolling, McDaniel College alumni earn a median of about $60,663, against $57,089 for Hood College.

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Hood College

Frederick, MD · Private

McDaniel College

Westminster, MD · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Frederick, MD
Westminster, MD
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,194
1,617
Acceptance rate
78%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1210
1050–1230
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,873
$21,916
Full cost / yr
$61,219
$65,294
In-state tuition
$47,700
$52,081
Out-of-state tuition
$47,700
$52,081
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,424
$12,210
$30k - $48k
$14,454
$17,261
$48k - $75k
$19,837
$19,796
$75k - $110k
$23,638
$21,408
Over $110k
$29,078
$30,694
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
64%
Freshman retention
68%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,415
$47,879
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,089
$60,663
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
36%
First-generation students
31%
26%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 1
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Hood College or McDaniel College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 78% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Hood College or McDaniel College?
Hood College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,873 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,916 at McDaniel College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Hood College and McDaniel College?
Before aid, Hood College costs about $61,219 a year and McDaniel College about $65,294. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Hood College or McDaniel College?
McDaniel College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,210 there, against about $12,424 at Hood College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Hood College or McDaniel College?
McDaniel College is the larger of the two, with about 1,617 undergraduates against 1,194 at Hood College.
Does Hood College or McDaniel College have a better graduation rate?
McDaniel College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 56% at Hood College.
Do graduates of Hood College or McDaniel College earn more?
McDaniel College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,663 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,089 for Hood College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Hood College and McDaniel College require SAT or ACT scores?
Hood College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. McDaniel College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Hood College and McDaniel College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1210 at Hood College and 1050–1230 at McDaniel College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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