Overview
With programs like Wildcat Weekend and Davidson Outdoors, Davidson has a thriving student life and rigorous liberal arts academics. Notable alumni include Woodrow Wilson and Steph Curry.
There are currently 1,922 undergraduates at Davidson and the school’s acceptance rate is 17%. The tuition at Davidson is $57,340.
Davidson is a Presbyterian school. That means that the administration is affiliated with the Presbyterian faith. Classes may be designed with religious principles in mind, or some schools may even incorporate prayer into their schedule. Other schools with a religious affiliation may not be as active in their incorporation of the faith. It's a good idea to ask an admissions officer or current student what role faith has at Davidson to help you make an educated decision.
Essay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$75,865
$55,830
$20,035
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$75,865for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Davidson is $75,865. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Davidson would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Davidson College Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Davidson need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Davidson is 002918 and the CSS Profile Code is 5150.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Davidson
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for Davidson. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarshipsDavidson College QuestBridge Scholarships
Davidson is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Davidson College through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Davidson College’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Davidson has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Davidson
Davidson is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Davidson's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Davidson College
16% of students at Davidson College receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Davidson College.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Davidson students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Davidson College Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Davidson or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 704-894-2232
Admissions
17%
Coalition Colleges
Davidson is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Davidson via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Davidson have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Davidson College will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Davidson Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Davidson test-optional?
Davidson College is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Davidson College?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Davidson College receive between a 31 and a 33 on their ACT, or a 1320 and a 1490 on their SAT.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Davidson?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Davidson College. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Davidson?
Students must apply by January 10 to enroll at Davidson during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Davidson students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 15.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 5.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Davidson?
Applying to Davidson with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Is Davidson College need-blind?
Yes, Davidson College has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
92%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
29%
29% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
14%
14% of graduates
Psychology
12%
12% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
7%
7% of graduates
Physical Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
English Language & Literature
5%
5% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
4%
4% of graduates
History
4%
4% of graduates
Mathematics
4%
4% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
4%
4% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
3%
3% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
1,922
Pell Grant 15%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 47% / 53%
Ethnic Diversity at Davidson
62% White
10% International / Non-Citizen
10% Hispanic
6% Black
5% Multiracial
5% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$81,400
Median Debt $18,688
Debt 10 years after graduation $198
Graduation Rate 92%
What is the graduation rate at Davidson College?
92% of students who start at Davidson College end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 34% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Davidson College go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Davidson College, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $81,400. This is $31,009 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Davidson take out in loans?
Graduates of Davidson have to take out a median of $18,688 in federal student loans. This is $5,188 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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