Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Davidson Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 20
- Texas A&M Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Davidson College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,379 vs Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315, 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.
50 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, 13% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,379, roughly $3,936 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 13% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Texas A&M
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Davidson College over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $17,379 vs $21,315.
Pick Davidson College over Texas A&M University-College Station. 91% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Davidson College and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Davidson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Davidson College is the harder admit. It takes 13% of applicants, while Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,280.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Davidson College 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 $3,936 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $18,688.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,744 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Davidson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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.
Finishing the degree
Davidson College graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Davidson College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Davidson College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Davidson College has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above Davidson College's $17,379.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 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 38% at Texas A&M — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Davidson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Davidson, where only about 50% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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 Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
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 Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Davidson College is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Davidson College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,379 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do Davidson College or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Davidson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 84%.
Should you choose Davidson College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Davidson College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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