Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs Emory University
- Davidson Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 20
- Emory Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Davidson College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,379 vs Emory University's $22,585, Davidson College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Davidson College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $81,400 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Davidson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Emory University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,379, roughly $5,206 a year less
Emory
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Emory in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Davidson College over Emory University. Median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment vs $80,137.
Pick Davidson College over Emory University. Net price $17,379 vs $22,585.
Pick Emory University over Davidson College. 1.8% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Davidson College and Emory University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Emory University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Davidson College takes 13%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Emory University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Davidson College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,379, about $5,206 a year below Emory University's $22,585. Graduates of Emory University also borrow less: median debt of $18,250, against $18,688.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $20,824 before any change in aid. Choosing Davidson College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Davidson College graduates report median earnings of $81,400, compared with $80,137 at Emory University. That is a 2% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Emory University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at Davidson College, it is 0.4%. Emory University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Emory University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Davidson College to keep costs and debt down; pick Emory University if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Davidson College concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while Emory University leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Davidson College has less business program depth, and Emory University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,585 runs well above Davidson College's $17,379.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Emory University's enrollment of 7,298 far exceeds Davidson College's 1,867.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Davidson holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 40% at Emory — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Davidson (29.1% Early Decision admit rate vs 23.2%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Davidson College
Davidson, NC · Private nonprofit
Davidson College is an ideal choice for students who thrive in a small, close-knit community, with an enrollment of just 1,867. With an acceptance rate of 13%, it attracts motivated individuals looking for a rigorous academic environment. Students here dive into a variety of programs, including Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical fields, Psychology, Physical Sciences, and Computer Science and IT. This range of studies suggests a strong commitment to understanding both the human experience and the scientific world.
Looking at life after graduation, we can see that Davidson graduates tend to do quite well for themselves, with an impressive 10-year earnings average of $81,400. This figure reflects the value of a Davidson degree in the job market. The affordability factor is also noteworthy, as 18% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps to lighten the financial burden for those who need it most.
In terms of finances, the net price after aid is around $17,379, which is manageable for many families. Graduates leave with a median debt of $18,688, a relatively low figure that suggests a commitment to keeping education accessible. Those who tend to thrive at Davidson are often self-driven, academically inclined, and deeply engaged in their communities, making the most of both their education and the connections they build during their time here.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
Emory University has an impressive graduation rate of 91%. This high percentage reflects the strong support systems in place for students and their ability to successfully navigate their academic journeys. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Emory attracts a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Emory's graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment. This earning potential suggests that students are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields like business, health professions, and social sciences. While detailed mobility rates are not available, the strong outcomes indicate that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can succeed here.
The net price for attending Emory is $22,585, with a median debt of $18,250. This financial framework allows many students to graduate with manageable debt levels. Emory is ideal for motivated students who thrive in an academically rigorous environment and seek strong career outcomes post-graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Davidson College is featured on the Best Education Colleges in North Carolina ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Davidson's top program is Sociology (23% of enrollment), while Emory leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Davidson) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Emory).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Emory University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Davidson College or Emory University?
Emory University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 13% at Davidson College.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or Emory University?
Davidson College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,379 after aid versus $22,585 at Emory University.
Do Davidson College or Emory University graduates earn more?
Davidson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,137 at Emory University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or Emory University?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 91%.
Davidson College vs Emory University: which is better for social mobility?
Emory University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Davidson College or Emory University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Davidson College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Emory University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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