Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs University of California-Berkeley
- Davidson Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 17
- California-Berkeley Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Berkeley offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,481 vs Davidson College's $17,379, University of California-Berkeley delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Berkeley's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Davidson
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Berkeley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Davidson College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,481, roughly $3,898 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,000, the lower of the two
- 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); California-Berkeley in Computer Science & IT (19%). 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 University of California-Berkeley over Davidson College. Median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment vs $81,400.
Pick University of California-Berkeley over Davidson College. Net price $13,481 vs $17,379.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Davidson College and University of California-Berkeley are close on paper, but University of California-Berkeley wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Berkeley is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Davidson College takes 13%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Berkeley 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, University of California-Berkeley comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,481, about $3,898 a year below Davidson College's $17,379. Graduates of University of California-Berkeley also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $18,688.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,592 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Berkeley leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Berkeley graduates report median earnings of $92,446, compared with $81,400 at Davidson College. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Berkeley has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Berkeley 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 Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of California-Berkeley leans toward Computer Science & IT, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,379 runs well above University of California-Berkeley's $13,481.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,688, against $13,000 at University of California-Berkeley.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Davidson College's enrollment, and University of California-Berkeley is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Berkeley's enrollment of 33,068 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 46% at California-Berkeley — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Davidson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Berkeley does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 3 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.
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
The University of California-Berkeley has a remarkable graduation rate of 93%. This high rate indicates strong student support and a commitment to student success. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, selectivity is high, making it a competitive choice for prospective students.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC Berkeley is a strong performer in economic mobility. While specific mobility rates are not provided, the school is known for propelling graduates into high-earning careers. The median earnings for graduates after ten years is an impressive $92,446, suggesting substantial return on investment for students.
The net price of attendance is around $13,481, and the median debt for graduates is $13,000. This manageable debt level, combined with high earning potential, makes UC Berkeley an attractive option for students. Those who thrive here typically have strong academic backgrounds, are motivated, and are seeking opportunities in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
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 California-Berkeley leads with Computer Science (19%).
California-Berkeley
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Davidson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-Berkeley).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Psychology, while University of California-Berkeley concentrates in Engineering. 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 University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 13% at Davidson College.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,481 after aid versus $17,379 at Davidson College.
Do Davidson College or University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,446 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,400 at Davidson College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 91%.
Should you choose Davidson College or University of California-Berkeley?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Berkeley 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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