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Tuition Benefit Scholarships

McDaniel College proudly participates in both the Tuition Exchange (TE) Program and the CIC–Tuition Exchange Program (CIC‑TEP). If your parent is employed at a participating member institution, you may be eligible to apply. Eligibility requirements for the application are set by your parent’s home institution, while McDaniel College has a separate set of criteria for awarding the scholarships. We encourage families to contact their institution’s liaison for specific details regarding application submission.

Participating Tuition Exchange Member Schools Participating CIC–Tuition Exchange Program member Schools
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Tuition Exchange Proud Partner

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Access & Opportunity

At McDaniel College, we are proud to participate in the Tuition Exchange network—an exceptional consortium of more than 700 colleges and universities dedicated to broadening access and opportunity for students and families. This highly valued benefit reflects not only a collective investment in higher education, but also McDaniel’s deep commitment to supporting the individuals and institutions that advance it.

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Committed to the process.

We understand that navigating Tuition Exchange can feel complex, so we aim to approach every student and family with thoughtful care, clear communication, and personalized guidance. From the initial inquiry through the application and selection process, our team is here to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.

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What you need to know. Tuition Exchange: An overview

Each year, McDaniel College receives about 40 Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship applications. On average, McDaniel awards 3-5 TE Scholarships, making the selection process highly competitive.   

All students admitted to McDaniel College who apply for Tuition Exchange before March 1 are considered. However, we strongly encourage students most interested in TE to apply by the Early Action deadline of November 15. The first TE scholarships will be awarded by January 15; additional scholarships will be awarded on a space-available basis. Therefore, it is advisable to begin the process early. Tuition Exchange scholarships may be offered as late as August 1. 

The Tuition Exchange Scholarship covers full tuition, as long as the student is meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, resides on campus, and is enrolled full-time. A leave of absence or any interruption in enrollment may result in the loss of a TE Scholarship. The scholarship applies only to undergraduate coursework and is renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters, or until completion of a bachelor’s degree within that timeframe, whichever occurs first. 

Families must complete the FAFSA to be awarded the Tuition Exchange Scholarship and be considered for need‑based financial aid. FAFSA’s should be submitted no later than March 1. If need-based aid is received by the state or federal government, the value of the TE Scholarship is reduced. Through a combination of federal, state, and TE financial aid, the TE Scholarship recipient will have 100% of tuition covered.    

Please note that not all eligible students will receive a Tuition Exchange Award. 
 

Tuition Exchange (TE) Application Timeline

Nov 15

Submit the Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship application.

Submit the Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship application as soon as possible, but no later than February 1. Students who apply for admission by the Nov. 15 deadline and are admitted will receive TE scholarship consideration in January, provided McDaniel College has received their TE application. 

Nov 15

Apply for admission.

Applying by the Nov. 15 Early Action deadline is strongly encouraged to maximize your chances of being awarded the TE Scholarship.

Jan 15

Tuition Exchange Scholarship decisions released.

Initial Tuition Exchange Scholarship decisions are released in mid-January.  

Mar 1

Submit your FAFSA application.

Submit your FAFSA application as soon as possible, but no later than March 1. Financial aid packages are mailed beginning mid‑December and continue through the start of the semester. 

May 1

Respond to your Tuition Exchange Scholarship.

Students who are offered a Tuition Exchange Scholarship are encouraged to notify the College of their intent to enroll at McDaniel College as soon as possible, but no later than May 1, the National Deposit Deadline. If a recipient knows they do not plan to enroll at McDaniel, please notify us early so the TE Scholarship can be awarded to another qualifying student.  

Aug 1

Notification of final Tuition Exchange Scholarships

Due to the fluid and competitive nature of the process, final TE Scholarship notifications may be issued as late as August 1. 

Tuition Exchange FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Tuition Exchange process at McDaniel College, including eligibility, timelines, and award notifications. 

I received the TE Scholarship and then filed my FAFSA and received a Pell Grant. What happens now?

McDaniel College's TE Scholarship is equal to McDaniel's published tuition price. If you are awarded both a Tuition Exchange Scholarship and a Federal Pell Grant, your Pell Grant funds can be applied to room and board.

How are applicants selected for the TE Scholarship?

The TE Scholarship selection process is competitive. We consider four factors: 

  1. academic performance (GPA, test scores if submitted, strength and quality of academic letters of recommendation); 
  1. academic rigor (advanced coursework, course load, rigorous academic experiences like internships, research, etc.); 
  1. financial need (as demonstrated through the FAFSA); and  
  1. likelihood to enroll (campus visit, admission counselor engagement).  

Each of these factors is reviewed in the context of the overall pool of eligible TE candidates. 

Can I apply Early Decision and still be considered for the TE Scholarship?

Yes, all eligible admitted students are considered for the TE Scholarship. However, the Early Decision (ED) Agreement is a commitment to enrolling at McDaniel regardless of financial need. Because financial need is one of the considerations when we evaluate students for the TE Scholarship, applying ED may decrease the likelihood that you receive the TE scholarship. All ED applicants are encouraged to understand McDaniel’s costs prior to submitting an application due to the ED policy. 

Does anything about my parent's job at our home institution affect the TE decision?

No. Because your institution certified you – we have what we need. The TE award process is based upon student credentials. 

I received a McDaniel merit scholarship and need-based institutional grant before I got awarded my TE Scholarship. Will I keep my scholarship and grant?

No. The TE Scholarship supersedes any previously awarded institutional financial aid, including the Visit Incentive Grant, Referral Grant, Merit scholarships, need-based grants and others. The maximum institutional financial aid a Tuition Exchange recipient can receive is the cost of full tuition. 

What if my need is not reflected accurately in my FAFSA?

Please reach out to your admissions counselor, who will advise you on the next steps to ensure the TE Scholarship Committee has a complete picture of your financial need.  

Is there anything I can do to increase the odds of receiving the TE Scholarship?

Because demonstrated interest and need are both considerations for awarding, we encourage applicants to communicate their interest to their admissions counselor and explain how the TE Scholarship could impact their ability to attend McDaniel.  

Is the TE Scholarship guaranteed for 4 years (8 semesters) if it’s awarded in the first year?

Yes, as long as the student is meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, resides on campus, and is enrolled full-time. A leave of absence or any interruption in enrollment may result in the loss of a TE Scholarship.

Is there a TE waitlist?

Yes; however, we do not provide individual positions on the waitlist. Students may be notified as late as August 1.  

What are the requirements to maintain my TE Scholarship?

TE Scholarships are renewable for up to 8 continuous semesters or until the completion of your bachelor's degree within that timeframe, whichever comes first. Recipients must be enrolled full-time, live on-campus and maintain Satisfactory Academic Standing each semester. Any change in meeting those requirements will result in the loss of the TE Scholarship.

Does the TE Scholarship cover tuition for January Term or a summer class?

The Tuition Exchange Scholarship is available only for fall and spring semesters and does not cover summer tuition. It covers the required McDaniel Commitment January Term course, My Design, offered between the fall and spring semesters of the first year. Please note that this is the only January Term course it covers. 

Will the TE Scholarship cover study abroad tuition?

Yes and no. 

For students studying abroad at McDaniel Budapest, the TE Scholarship covers tuition for only one semester.

TE Scholarships do not cover tuition for students who choose to study abroad at other locations. 

Are transfer students considered for TE Scholarships?

While priority consideration is given to first-year students, McDaniel College will review transfer students for TE Scholarships if they are enrolling in the fall semester and TE Scholarships are still available. 

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Tuition Remission

If your parent is a regular full-time McDaniel faculty or staff member who has been employed at McDaniel for at least two consecutive years, you are eligible for Tuition Remission at McDaniel. 

Tuition Remission recipients must complete the application process, the FAFSA, and meet admission criteria to be eligible. We'll confirm your parents' tuition benefit status with the Human Resources Office. Your eligibility for Tuition Remission will continue as long as your parent remains employed full-time and a Tuition Remission form is submitted in a timely manner before the start of each semester. 

Have questions? 
Contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@mcdaniel.edu 

Tuition Exchange Contact

Heidi Reigel | AVP of Constituent Engagement
410-857-2226

Email Heidi

Have questions about admission to McDaniel?

Your personal admissions counselor is here to help and answer your questions every step of the way.

CIC - Tuition Exchange Program Contact

Rose Mercier | Director of Human Resources
410-857-2452

Email Rose

Tuition Exchange Contact

Heidi Reigel | AVP of Constituent Engagement
410-857-2226

Email Heidi

Have questions about admission to McDaniel?

Your personal admissions counselor is here to help and answer your questions every step of the way.

CIC - Tuition Exchange Program Contact

Rose Mercier | Director of Human Resources
410-857-2452

Email Rose
McDaniel College
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Westminster, MD, 21157
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