Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs University of Central Florida
- Davidson Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 12
- Central Florida Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Central Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Davidson College achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,379 compared to University of Central Florida's $10,411 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Central Florida's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
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, 40% more than University of Central Florida
- 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
Central Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $10,411, roughly $6,968 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,190, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Central Florida in Business & Marketing (14%). 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 University of Central Florida. Median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment vs $58,308.
Pick University of Central Florida over Davidson College. Net price $10,411 vs $17,379.
Pick University of Central Florida over Davidson College. 2.6% mobility rate vs 0.4%.
Pick Davidson College over University of Central Florida. 91% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Davidson College and University of Central Florida 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
Davidson College is the harder admit. It takes 13% of applicants, while University of Central Florida takes 40%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,269.
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, University of Central Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $10,411, about $6,968 a year below Davidson College's $17,379. Graduates of University of Central Florida also borrow less: median debt of $18,190, against $18,688.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $27,872 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Central Florida 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 $58,308 at University of Central Florida. That is a 40% advantage. Set against borrowing, Davidson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 40% 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 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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.
Moving people up
University of Central Florida does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.6%; at Davidson College, it is 0.4%. University of Central Florida also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Central Florida 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 University of Central Florida to keep costs and debt down; pick Davidson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Central Florida saves about $6,968 a year, yet Davidson College graduates earn $23,092 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Davidson College is harder to get into, with a 13% admit rate, but University of Central Florida posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.6%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Davidson College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Central Florida leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. 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 Central Florida's $10,411.
- Business and consulting-track students: Davidson College has less business program depth, and University of Central Florida offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Central Florida's enrollment of 59,146 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 30% at Central Florida — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Central Florida, where only about 32% 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.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
With over 59,000 students enrolled, the University of Central Florida is one of the largest public universities in the nation. This scale translates into a rich diversity of academic programs and campus life, making it a vibrant community for students seeking both education and social engagement.
Data from Opportunity Insights shows that UCF graduates see a median earnings increase to $58,308 ten years after enrolling. This reflects a solid return on investment, especially when considering the university’s net price of $10,411 and median debt of $18,190. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university serves a significant number of Pell Grant recipients, indicating a commitment to supporting low-income students.
Students who thrive at UCF often pursue degrees in popular fields like Business, Health Professions, and Engineering. The moderate acceptance rate of 40% suggests that the university seeks students who show potential for success. With a graduation rate of 77%, many students are able to complete their degrees and enter the workforce prepared and skilled.
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 Central Florida leads with Business Administration (14%).
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 Central Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while University of Central Florida concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Central Florida?
Davidson College is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 40% at University of Central Florida.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or University of Central Florida?
University of Central Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $10,411 after aid versus $17,379 at Davidson College.
Do Davidson College or University of Central Florida graduates earn more?
Davidson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment, versus $58,308 at University of Central Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or University of Central Florida?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 77%.
Davidson College vs University of Central Florida: which is better for social mobility?
University of Central Florida is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.6% versus 0.4%.
Should you choose Davidson College or University of Central Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Central Florida if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Davidson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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