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Davidson College vs Northwestern University

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

11
Davidson Wins
9
Tied / N/A
26
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Great Lakes
1,867
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

13%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1469
SAT Average
1533
N/A
ACT Midpoint
35
1400-1530
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$64,410
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$64,410
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$17,379
Average Net Price
$29,167
$9,497
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$5,354
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$6,759
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$42,346
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
18%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
9%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

91%
Graduation Rate
96%
95%
Retention Rate
98%
96%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$13,033
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
16%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

46%
Female
52%
60%
White
31%
11%
Hispanic
16%
7%
Black
8%
5%
Asian
21%
0.60
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$62,866
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$71,470
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$81,400
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$18,688
Median Debt
$15,000
0.23x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
82%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

41.02%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
2968.9%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
138.2%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$208,500
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.76
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.01
9.8%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#25
N/A
Teaching Score
64.5
N/A
Research Score
68.8
N/A
Citations Score
95.3

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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