McDaniel College
📍 Campus Location
City: Westminster, Maryland
Address: 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD, 21157
🎓 Program Details
Degree Level: Master's
Program Length: 20 months (4 months / semester)
Program Offered:
• MS Data Analytics (STEM)
💰 Tuition & Fee Breakdown
Program
Duration
Estimated Cost
MS Data Analytics (STEM)
20 months
$21,000
Fee Component
• Application Fee: $0 (No application fee)
• Estimated Program Cost: $21,000
Cost Breakdown:
Total: $21,000 | Per Month: $1,050 | Per Semester (4 months): $4,200 | Per Year: $12,600
🏆 SECOND MOST AFFORDABLE
McDaniel College offers one of the lowest tuition costs:
• Total Program Cost: $21,000
• 2nd cheapest among all 17 universities (only Indiana Wesleyan at $16,970 is cheaper)
• Saves $4,000+ compared to average Master’s cost
• Excellent value for a Data Analytics STEM degree
📝 Application Requirements
Eligibility & CPT Information
CPT Requirements - IMPORTANT:
• Must maintain valid F-1 status
• Must have a related job offer at time of application
• Job offer must be directly related to field of study
• CPT available from Day 1 if job offer is field-related
• COS students eligible, but SEVIS reinstatement students NOT eligible
Important: McDaniel requires a job offer before admission — not optional.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Max Transferable Credits: 6
🗣️ English Proficiency
Waive Policy: Not required if you have studied or worked in the USA.
📂 Application Checklist
✅ Online Application Form
✅ Official Transcript
• Evaluation Required: Yes
• Internal Evaluation Available: Yes
• Accepted Evaluation Agencies: US Degree, NACES®
✅ Resume
✅ Passport
✅ Financial Proof (Bank Statement)
Not Required:
❌ Application Fee ($0)
❌ Recommendation Letters
❌ Statement of Purpose
❌ Interview
❌ Job Offer Before Application (but required for CPT eligibility)
💡 Key Features
Program Highlights:
• Affordable Data Analytics program at $21,000
• STEM-designated for extended OPT
• 20-month fast completion
• No application fee
• Located in Maryland (East Coast)
• Historic liberal arts institution
Cost Advantages:
• 2nd lowest cost among all Day-1 CPT schools
• Saves $4,000–6,000 vs. average programs
• No application fee
• Internal evaluation available
• Fast completion reduces living cost
Program Focus:
• Specialized: Only Data Analytics
• In-demand field with STEM benefits
• Technical and analytical focus
Location Benefits:
• Westminster, Maryland — between Baltimore and D.C.
• Access to two metro job markets
• Lower cost of living
• Tech, finance, and government opportunities
CPT Structure - UNIQUE REQUIREMENT:
• Job offer REQUIRED for admission
• Field-related employment only
• Stricter eligibility than most Day-1 CPT schools
🏛️ Notable Unique Features
• SECOND CHEAPEST university ($21,000)
• JOB OFFER REQUIRED for CPT/admission
• Single specialized program: Data Analytics
• Only Day-1 CPT university in Maryland
• Access to D.C. and Baltimore job markets
• SEVIS reinstatement students not eligible
• Part of historic liberal arts tradition
📊 Comparison to Other Universities
• McDaniel: $21,000 ⭐ 2ND CHEAPEST
• Indiana Wesleyan: $16,970 (CHEAPEST)
• New England College: $17,460
• Avila University: $18,288
• Concordia University Texas: $21,000 (tied)
• Most others: $24,000–35,000
• Westcliff (Doctoral): $101,244
Savings Example:
• Save $6,000 vs. average ($27k)
• Save $9,000+ vs. typical STEM program ($30k+)
• Save $300–450 per month over 20 months
🎯 Ideal For
• Budget-conscious students (2nd cheapest)
• Applicants with job offers in Data Analytics
• STEM-focused students seeking OPT benefits
• Those wanting East Coast location
• Students who prefer single, focused program
• Professionals seeking Maryland/D.C. jobs
⚠️ Important Considerations
Must Have Job Offer: Required at application; must be related to data analytics.
• Without a job offer, admission is not possible
• Sets McDaniel apart from most Day-1 CPT universities
SEVIS Reinstatement Limitation: Students needing SEVIS reinstatement cannot access CPT