Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Davidson Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 20
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Davidson College achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,379 compared to University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Maryland-College Park benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,860 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Davidson
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,688, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 13% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than Davidson College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $1,701 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 Maryland-College Park over Davidson College. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $81,400.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Davidson College. Net price $15,678 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 Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but Davidson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of Maryland-College Park takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,473.
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 Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $1,701 a year below Davidson College's $17,379. Graduates of Davidson College also borrow less: median debt of $18,688, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $6,804 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $81,400 at Davidson College. That is a 2% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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 Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park leans toward Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Davidson College's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Davidson College has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 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 22% at Maryland-College Park — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Davidson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park 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 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 Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Maryland-College Park?
Davidson College is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $17,379 at Davidson College.
Do Davidson College or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,400 at Davidson College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or University of Maryland-College Park?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Should you choose Davidson College or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Davidson College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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