About Davidson College
Davidson operates under one of the nation's most respected honor codes, where students take unproctored exams and leave laptops unattended across campus. This Presbyterian-founded liberal arts college enrolls 1,901 students in a large suburban setting north of Charlotte. The school claims notable graduates including NBA superstar Stephen Curry and former President Woodrow Wilson. With a 17% acceptance rate, Davidson attracts academically top students who average 1425 on the SAT.
The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly for a strong private college. Students pay an average net price of $18,127 after aid, despite the $60,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $81,400 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of just $18,688. The school meets demonstrated need for admitted students, making the monthly loan payment an manageable $198 for most borrowers.
Davidson competes in Division I athletics as the Wildcats, with 477 student-athletes across 17 varsity sports. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes and close mentorship. With a 96% retention rate and 92% four-year graduation rate, students clearly find what they're looking for. The campus draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 18% of students from North Carolina.
The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly for a strong private college. Students pay an average net price of $18,127 after aid, despite the $60,300 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $81,400 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of just $18,688. The school meets demonstrated need for admitted students, making the monthly loan payment an manageable $198 for most borrowers.
Davidson competes in Division I athletics as the Wildcats, with 477 student-athletes across 17 varsity sports. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes and close mentorship. With a 96% retention rate and 92% four-year graduation rate, students clearly find what they're looking for. The campus draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 18% of students from North Carolina.
Academics & Faculty
Davidson delivers the intimate academic experience that defines top liberal arts education. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. This close attention shows in the numbers: 91.8% of students graduate in four years, well above the national average. The college excels in pre-professional preparation, particularly pre-med and pre-law programs, with acceptance rates to medical school consistently above 85%. Davidson's honor code creates a culture of academic integrity where take-home and self-scheduled exams are standard. The economics and political science departments attract future leaders, while the natural sciences benefit from strong research opportunities despite the college's undergraduate focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 91.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.9%
- Retention Rate
- 95.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $81,400
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Political Science and Government. | Certificate | $45,715 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Certificate | $43,240 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Certificate | $35,330 |
| Biology, General. | Certificate | $31,670 |
| Anthropology. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Certificate | $28,598 |
| History. | Certificate | $22,075 |
Campus Life
Davidson's campus sits 20 miles north of Charlotte, giving students access to a major city while maintaining its quintessential college town feel. With 94% of students living on campus in housing that accommodates 1,788, dorm life defines the social experience. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and eating habits at the campus dining halls.
North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of shorts for the long, warm months. Students take full advantage with outdoor activities around Lake Norman and frequent trips to Charlotte's banking district for internships. The honor code runs deep here - students leave laptops unattended and take unproctored exams. Weekend traditions center around Wildcats basketball games and the famous Court of Honor ceremonies. With 17 varsity sports and 477 total athletes, athletic events draw serious crowds from the 1,901-student body. Greek life and service organizations dominate social calendars, while the 95.39% retention rate suggests students rarely want to leave this tight-knit community.
North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of shorts for the long, warm months. Students take full advantage with outdoor activities around Lake Norman and frequent trips to Charlotte's banking district for internships. The honor code runs deep here - students leave laptops unattended and take unproctored exams. Weekend traditions center around Wildcats basketball games and the famous Court of Honor ceremonies. With 17 varsity sports and 477 total athletes, athletic events draw serious crowds from the 1,901-student body. Greek life and service organizations dominate social calendars, while the 95.39% retention rate suggests students rarely want to leave this tight-knit community.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,788 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1837
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–52°F
- July Avg
- 68°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.3"
Student Demographics
Davidson draws ambitious students nationwide, with over 80% coming from outside North Carolina. The honor code attracts students who value trust and integrity. Students typically score around 1425 on the SAT and represent diverse backgrounds, though the student body remains predominantly white. The college's Presbyterian heritage and liberal arts focus appeal to students seeking close faculty relationships in small classes. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Davidson students expect personal attention and rigorous academics. The mix includes future leaders who appreciate the college's emphasis on character development alongside intellectual growth.
- Men
- 46.9%
- Women
- 53.1%
- White
- 61.2%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 5.9%
- In-State Students
- 17.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.6%
Location
Davidson sits 20 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city. The college anchors a small town of about 13,000 residents in the Lake Norman area. Davidson's campus spreads across 665 acres of tree-lined grounds in the North Carolina Piedmont region. The town maintains a classic college atmosphere where students can walk to local shops and restaurants along Main Street. Lake Norman provides recreational opportunities just minutes from campus. The suburban setting offers easy access to Charlotte's banking district and cultural attractions while preserving a close-knit academic community. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Davidson with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Davidson, North Carolina 28035
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $81,400
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,801
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $198/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,688
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Davidson College?
Davidson College accepts 16.95% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students who gain admission typically score between 1350-1500 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for academic excellence.
How much does Davidson College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Davidson College is $18,127, lower than the $77,700 total cost of attendance. The college is known for its generous need-blind admissions policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Davidson College?
Davidson College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,901 total students. This intimate learning environment supports the college's liberal arts mission and contributes to its 95.39% retention rate.
What do Davidson College graduates earn after graduation?
Davidson College graduates earn a median salary of $81,400 ten years after graduation. The college's strong alumni network and rigorous liberal arts education contribute to a 94.7% employment rate for recent graduates.
Where is Davidson College located and what is campus life like?
Davidson College sits in Davidson, North Carolina, a suburban setting near Charlotte. With housing capacity for 1,788 students and 17 varsity sports teams competing in Division I, campus life centers around the college's famous honor code tradition.
Is Davidson College known for any famous alumni?
Davidson College's most famous alumnus is NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who played basketball for the Wildcats. The college has also produced President Woodrow Wilson and former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk, reflecting its long tradition of developing leaders since 1837.
