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Davidson College vs Harvard University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

8
Davidson Wins
9
Tied / N/A
29
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
New England
1,867
Enrollment
7,601
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

13%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1469
SAT Average
1553
N/A
ACT Midpoint
35
1400-1530
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,410
In-State Tuition
$61,676
$64,410
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$17,379
Average Net Price
$19,066
$9,497
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$5,354
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$6,759
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$42,346
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
18%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
97%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
96%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,033
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
16%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

46%
Female
50%
60%
White
31%
11%
Hispanic
12%
7%
Black
9%
5%
Asian
22%
0.60
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$62,866
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$71,470
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$81,400
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$18,688
Median Debt
$14,000
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
82%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

41.02%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
2968.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
138.2%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$208,500
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.76
Economic Connectedness
1.69
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.02
9.8%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#1
N/A
Teaching Score
99.7
N/A
Research Score
98.7
N/A
Citations Score
98.8

The Overviews

Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private nonprofit

13% accept 91% grad $81,400 earnings $17,379 net

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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