Nestled in the tranquil town of Davidson, North Carolina, just a short drive from the bustling metropolis of Charlotte, Davidson College stands as a beacon of academic excellence and vibrant community spirit. Established in 1837, the college has a rich history and heritage, fostering a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Davidson’s commitment to liberal arts education ensures that students develop a well-rounded understanding of the world around them, delving into diverse fields of study from humanities and social sciences to science and mathematics. The college’s low student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes provide an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention and guidance from their professors.
Beyond the classroom, Davidson’s vibrant campus community offers a multitude of opportunities for personal growth and engagement. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, cultural events, and athletic pursuits. The college’s Division I scholar-athletes compete in 21 varsity sports, showcasing their athletic prowess while upholding Davidson’s values of academic excellence and sportsmanship.
Davidson’s Lake Campus, a picturesque retreat nestled on the shores of Lake Norman, provides a tranquil escape from the bustling campus life. Students can engage in various water activities, including sailing, swimming, and sunbathing while enjoying the serene natural surroundings.
Davidson College is more than just an institution of learning; it is a close-knit community where students, faculty, and staff forge lasting connections. The college prepares students to become intellectually engaged, socially responsible, and globally aware citizens who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Student Cohort Size
With a total enrollment of 1,927 students, Davidson College boasts a diverse student body that is both academically driven and globally engaged. Eleven percent of the students hail from countries beyond the United States, enriching the campus with a variety of perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, 25% of Davidson students are Division I scholar-athletes, demonstrating the college’s commitment to both academic excellence and athletic prowess.
Davidson’s dedication to global education is evident in its high participation rate in education abroad programs, with 78% of students taking advantage of these opportunities to expand their horizons and gain international experience. Moreover, 72% of Davidson students engage in research or internships, preparing them for future careers and providing valuable hands-on experience.
The college also fosters a strong sense of civic engagement among its students, with 90% participating in some form of community service during the academic year. This commitment to social responsibility reflects Davidson’s values of compassion and service to others.
Davidson’s student population is evenly divided between genders, with 47% female students and 53% male students, promoting a balanced and inclusive learning environment. The college’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond gender, as evidenced by its diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, nationality, and socioeconomic background.
Overall, Davidson College’s student population is characterized by academic excellence, global engagement, community involvement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. These qualities contribute to the vibrant and enriching learning environment that Davidson fosters.
Four-Year Completion Rate
The graduation rate is among the most important factors when selecting a college. Davidson College’s first-year retention rate is 94%. This means that 94% of first-year students continue their education for their sophomore year and beyond. The 4-year graduation rate is 88%. This implies that 88% of students were able to graduate after 4 years. The 6-year graduation rate is 91%. This implies that 91% of students were able to graduate after 6 years.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Davidson College prides itself on its low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 17. These factors contribute to a personalized and engaging learning environment where students receive ample attention and guidance from their professors.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Davidson College is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 14.5%. The college received 6,479 applications for the Class of 2027, of which 1,098 were admitted. The college is geographically diverse, with students from all over the United States and 12.2% international students. The college’s early decision program is very popular, with 1,005 students applying and 338 being admitted. This means that over a third of all early decision applicants were accepted to Davidson.
Acceptance GPA
The average unweighted GPA for admitted students at Davidson College is 3.82. This means that the majority of admitted students have a GPA of 3.82 or higher.
Types of Admission
Davidson College applicants can apply through the Early Decision or Regular Decision programs. Early Decision is a binding admission plan for students who have determined that Davidson College is their first choice and who feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. Students admitted through the Early Decision admission plan are required to cancel their applications elsewhere and enroll in Davidson College. Regular Decision is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that allows students more time to complete the application and to have grades from the first term of their senior year considered in the review.
Application Components
All required parts of the Coalition or Common Application.
Early Decision Agreement: Submit the Early Decision Form (PDF) with the signatures of the student, a parent/guardian, and a guidance counselor.
Counselor or College Advisor Letter of Recommendation: Through the Secondary School Report and Mid-Year School Report, your counselor or college advisor will have the opportunity to share more context around your high school record, your place in class, and your curriculum.
Two Academic Teacher Letters of Recommendation: Davidson requires two recommendations from academic instructors. At least one must come from a core academic subject (English, math, science, history/social science, or a second language).
Peer Recommendation: We ask that someone of similar age to the applicant (a friend, a coworker, a teammate, etc) complete the online peer recommendation. We will link it to your application using the information provided.
Standardized Test Scores: While test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023 and fall 2024, the average SAT scores for admitted students were between 1360 and 1510, and the average ACT scores were between 31 and 33.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is a space to share your voice and to help us better understand you as a person. We encourage you to explore a topic that is authentic to you and reveals something that doesn’t already come through elsewhere in the application. Above all, stay true to yourself and your experiences. (250-650 word limit)
Supplemental Questions
- There are just under 4,000 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Being as specific as possible, what interests you most about Davidson College? (250-300 word limit)
- Davidson encourages students to explore curiosities in and out of the classroom. What is a topic, activity or idea that excites you? Tell us why. Examples may include hobbies, books, interactions, music, podcasts, movies, etc. (250-300 word limit)
Academics
Davidson offers 31 majors and the opportunity for students to design their own major through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition, Davidson offers over 40 minors, including 15 interdisciplinary minors. Catalyst is an initiative at Davidson College that centralizes resources for experiential learning opportunities including internships, education away, community-based learning, and undergraduate research.
Davidson College is a frontrunner in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative endeavors across all academic disciplines. Faculty members seamlessly integrate original research and scholarship into their classroom instruction, and students frequently collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects. These student-faculty partnerships contribute to the expansion of knowledge in diverse fields and foster groundbreaking creative achievements in the arts.
Most Popular Majors:
Economics
Political Science and Government
Biology
Psychology
History
Computer Science
English
Liberal Arts and Humanities
Sociology
Environmental Science
Cost of Attendance
- Required student charges (tuition, student activity fee) $64,160; student activity fee covers student publications, student government, and social and cultural activities
- Housing (room rate) $8,450
- Meals, All Access Plan (other plans available) $8,650, includes N.C. Board Tax
- Total: $81,260
Student Life
Davidson College has over 200 student organizations. Davidson students have ample opportunity to connect with others across a broad range of interests including culture, politics, arts, entertainment, publications, religion, athletics, diversity, civic engagement, and more.
To conclude, Davidson College stands as a beacon of academic excellence, fostering a community of intellectually curious and socially conscious individuals. The college’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment ensures that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Davidson’s legacy of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility will undoubtedly continue to shape future generations of leaders and changemakers.
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