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    Davidson College

    davidson.edu Black Arrow Icon
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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    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.

    Davidson College
    Liberal Arts Liberal Arts
    Liberal Arts colleges offer great opportunities for students to decide what they want to study. A Liberal Arts education is typically well-rounded and produces graduates who have a solid understanding of many topics. These schools tend to be smaller than universities.
    21 Suburb
    Suburban schools are a great option for students who want to take advantage of the amenities of the city while escaping the hustle and bustle. At a suburban school you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the city, but you will maintain a strong campus culture and remain grounded in your college’s community.
    Need Blind Need Blind
    Davidson College does not factor economic need into their admissions decisions. So, your ability to pay will not affect your chances of admission.
    https://scholarships360.org/college-admissions/davidson-college-supplemental-essay/ Supplemental
    Essay
    Davidson College asks applicants to complete a supplemental essay. Check out the “Admissions” page for our essay guide!
    Need Blind 100% Need
    Davidson College has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial need. 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.
    QuestBridge QuestBridge
    Davidson College is a QuestBridge Partner College, which means that QuestBridge recipients can use their scholarship funds to attend this school.
    Show More

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $75,865

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $55,830

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $20,035

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown

    Tuition
    $57,340
    Books & Supplies
    $1,000
    Room & Board
    $15,750
    Other
    $1,775

    Estimated Cost:

    $75,865

    for 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.

    Davidson 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:


    Admissions

    17%

    Admission Rate

    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.

    November
    15

    Early Decision I

    January
    5

    Early Decision II

    January
    10

    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

    Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1

    Graduation Rate

    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

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    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

    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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