About Davis & Elkins College
Students pay an average net price of $19,428 after financial aid, less than the $31,270 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $43,411 ten years out, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The 36% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which affects the return on investment.
Athletics dominate campus life with 399 student-athletes competing across 19 varsity sports in NCAA Division II. Nearly 60% of the student body participates in college sports, creating a culture where game days matter. The 58% retention rate indicates that while some students thrive in this mountain setting, others find the remote location and small size limiting. The college's Presbyterian roots still influence campus culture, though students of all backgrounds attend.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.6%
- Retention Rate
- 58.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,411
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,022 |
Campus Life
With a 44% male to 56% female split, the Senators compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports that anchor weekend social life. The 399 student-athletes represent nearly 60% of the student body, creating a campus where games draw significant crowds. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and weekend study groups happen regularly. Students explore the surrounding Monongahela National Forest for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation programs. Small college traditions like homecoming and campus-wide events become major social highlights. The Mountain East Conference brings rival schools to town, but many weekends center around outdoor adventures and close friendships formed in residence halls.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 688 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1904
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–39°F
- July Avg
- 59°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -694.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.2%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 54.2%
- Black
- 6.0%
- Hispanic
- 4.4%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 42.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.3%
Location
- Address
- Elkins, West Virginia 26241-3996
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,411
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,093
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Davis & Elkins College?
Davis & Elkins College accepts 75.26% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The college's Presbyterian heritage and mountain location in West Virginia create a welcoming environment for students seeking a small liberal arts experience. With an average SAT score of 1003, the college serves students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Davis & Elkins College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,428 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $31,270. The college provides institutional grants averaging $23,188 to nearly 25% of students. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Davis & Elkins College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, ensuring personal attention in this small liberal arts setting. With only 681 total students, the college emphasizes close mentoring relationships and individualized learning. This intimate academic environment supports the college's focus on outdoor recreation and environmental studies programs.
What do graduates of Davis & Elkins College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $43,411 ten years after graduation, with 97.7% finding employment. The college's mountain location and outdoor recreation programs often lead graduates into careers in environmental fields and adventure tourism. However, only 36.60% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges common to small rural colleges.
Where is Davis & Elkins College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Elkins, West Virginia, a remote mountain town that offers outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. With housing capacity for 688 students and a 58.10% retention rate, the campus provides an intimate mountain college experience. The Senators compete in NCAA Division II with 399 total athletes participating across 19 varsity sports.
Does Davis & Elkins College offer strong outdoor recreation programs?
The college leverages its mountain setting to offer nationally recognized outdoor recreation and environmental studies programs. Students have direct access to the Monongahela National Forest and countless hiking, climbing, and adventure opportunities. This natural laboratory attracts students from across the country, with 57.50% coming from out-of-state to experience authentic Appalachian mountain education.
