McDonogh School and McDaniel College partner to fully fund faculty graduate degrees

McDonogh School, an independent, coeducational day and five-day boarding school located in Owings Mills, Maryland, that enrolls students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade, and McDaniel College are excited to announce a partnership providing full tuition coverage at McDaniel for McDonogh faculty pursuing their first graduate degree. The partnership will commence in January 2026.

"At McDonogh, we believe deeply in the transformative power of education," says Head of School Dave Farace. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning for our students and faculty alike. By removing financial barriers to graduate education, everyone benefits: our faculty, our students, and our community."

McDonogh will continue supporting faculty who attend other institutions, but the McDaniel partnership eliminates tuition costs entirely, making graduate education more accessible for faculty early in their careers who may be managing undergraduate debt or other financial obligations. Currently, 67% of faculty hold advanced degrees. 

“McDaniel College is proud and excited to partner with McDonogh to expand access to graduate education for their educators,” said McDaniel Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Vickie Mazer. “Teachers change lives, and this initiative reflects our shared belief that investing in their professional development strengthens entire learning communities. We look forward to welcoming McDonogh faculty into our graduate programs and supporting them as they advance their skills, careers, and impact.”

While McDaniel has similar partnerships with other schools and school systems in both Maryland and Pennsylvania, this is the only agreement with a school covering all tuition and fees for their employees.

The two institutions share a commitment to teaching excellence and transformative education. McDaniel's Westminster campus is conveniently located near McDonogh, and the college has served the region for nearly 160 years since its founding in 1867.