Overview
Davidson College is a highly selective private four-year institution in Davidson, North Carolina. The school accepts 17.0% of applicants and enrolls 1,901 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 17.0%
- Average SAT
- 1,425
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,350–1,500
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 1,901
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Davidson's honor code isn't just a policy you'll sign during orientation,it shapes everything from self-scheduled final exams to professors leaving answer keys on their desks. You must understand this before applying because the admissions committee expects your essays to reflect genuine integrity and personal responsibility, not just academic achievements.
Your application should reference Davidson's signature programs like the Dean Rusk International Studies Program or the Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Don't write generic essays about liberal arts education when you could discuss how you'd contribute to Davidson Outdoors' adventure trips or participate in Court of Honor proceedings as an upperclassman.
Early Decision at Davidson creates a genuine advantage because the school prioritizes building a cohesive community over maximizing application numbers. Your ED essay should connect your goals to Davidson's specific culture of trust and service, not abstract concepts about small college benefits.
Don't assume Davidson wants only traditional high achievers. The admissions office cares deeply about character and how you'll uphold the honor code when no one is watching. Your recommendation letters should address your integrity and reliability, not just your grades or test scores.
Davidson's supplemental essays require specific knowledge about campus traditions. Research Cake Race, the Patterson Court eating house system, or how students organize their own final exam schedules. Generic responses about "tight-knit community" won't differentiate you from thousands of other applicants to small liberal arts colleges.
Your interviews matter more here than at peer institutions because Davidson evaluates character alongside academic fit. Prepare to discuss ethical dilemmas you've faced and how you've demonstrated trustworthiness in leadership roles or group projects.
Don't overlook Davidson's need-blind admissions policy and generous financial aid when crafting your "Why Davidson" response. Many applicants focus solely on prestige without mentioning how the school's affordability allows them to pursue unpaid internships or graduate school without debt.
The application requires you to understand Davidson's Presbyterian heritage without being Presbyterian yourself. Show respect for the school's values-based foundation while explaining how your own ethical framework aligns with their community standards.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $18,127/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $60,300
- Students Receiving Aid
- 17%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 91.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $81,400/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Davidson College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Davidson College has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the early decision deadline for Davidson College?
Davidson College offers Early Decision I with a November 15 deadline and Early Decision II with a January 1 deadline. Both are binding commitments.
Can you transfer to Davidson College from another college?
Davidson College accepts transfer students who have completed at least one full year of college coursework. Transfer applications are due March 15 for fall enrollment.
What GPA do you need to get into Davidson College?
Davidson College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The college reviews applications using a holistic process that considers academic performance alongside other factors.