At $18,127/yr net price, Davidson College graduates earn $81,400/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $47,400/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,127 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $81,400/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$47,400/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,688 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,613/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,339/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,610/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,077/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,503/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Certificate | $69,338 | $22,625 |
| Political Science and Government. | Certificate | $45,715 | $19,500 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Certificate | $43,240 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Certificate | $35,330 | |
| Biology, General. | Certificate | $31,670 | $19,000 |
| Anthropology. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Psychology, General. | Certificate | $28,598 | $18,500 |
| History. | Certificate | $22,075 |
The Risk Factor
91.9% of students at Davidson College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Davidson College delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $81,400 ten years after graduation and a remarkably low net price of $18,127 annually. The combination creates excellent value, especially considering Davidson's selective admissions and high graduation rate.
Economics majors see the strongest career outcomes at nearly $70,000 in median earnings, though they carry slightly higher debt loads. Political science graduates earn solid mid-career salaries around $46,000, while liberal arts majors in romance languages and English see more modest returns in the $35,000-$43,000 range. Biology majors face the biggest financial challenge with starting earnings of just $32,000 despite similar debt levels to other programs.
Your biggest financial risk at Davidson centers on major selection. If you choose biology or English, you may struggle to service even Davidson's modest debt levels with those starting salaries. The school's small size also limits networking opportunities compared to larger institutions in major metropolitan areas.
Davidson works best financially if you can access their generous need-based aid, which keeps costs low for qualifying families. The school meets full demonstrated need without loans for families earning under $50,000. Merit scholarships are competitive but can significantly reduce costs for high achievers.
You should consider Davidson if you qualify for substantial financial aid or can afford the costs without borrowing heavily. Skip Davidson if you plan to major in fields with lower earning potential and cannot access significant aid. The school's strong alumni network and academic reputation justify the investment for economics and political science majors, but liberal arts majors may find better value elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davidson College worth the cost for the job prospects after graduation?
Davidson graduates earn $81,400 annually ten years post-graduation, which is solid but not outstanding given the school's selectivity. Economics majors do well at $69,338, but other popular programs like English ($35,330) and Biology ($31,670) show weaker returns.
How much debt do Davidson College students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Davidson is $18,688, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. With a net price of $18,127 per year, the school's financial aid helps keep costs reasonable for most students.
Which Davidson College majors have the best return on investment?
Economics offers the strongest ROI at Davidson with $69,338 average earnings, while Political Science graduates earn $45,715. Liberal arts majors like English and Biology see significantly lower returns despite the college's strong reputation.
Does Davidson College's high graduation rate justify its cost?
Davidson's 91.90% graduation rate is excellent and reduces the risk of paying for an unfinished degree. However, the earnings outcomes for many programs don't fully justify the investment compared to less expensive alternatives.