Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Davidson Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 17
- Michigan-Ann Arbor Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,138 vs Davidson College's $17,379, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Michigan-Ann Arbor benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,648 at ten years.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Davidson
- 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
Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Davidson College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,138, roughly $4,241 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Michigan-Ann Arbor in Computer Science & IT (16%). 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 Michigan over Davidson College. Median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment vs $81,400.
Pick University of Michigan over Davidson College. Net price $13,138 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 Michigan are close on paper, but University of Michigan 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 Michigan takes 16%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,465.
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 Michigan comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,138, about $4,241 a year below Davidson College's $17,379. Graduates of Davidson College also borrow less: median debt of $18,688, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $16,964 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Michigan leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Michigan graduates report median earnings of $83,648, compared with $81,400 at Davidson College. That is a 3% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan's $13,138.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Davidson College's enrollment, and University of Michigan is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Michigan's enrollment of 34,177 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Davidson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 34,200 students, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a vibrant and competitive environment suited for those who thrive in large, diverse settings. The acceptance rate of just 16% means that the university attracts a motivated student body. Here, students dive into popular programs like Computer Science & IT, Engineering, and Business & Marketing, allowing them to engage deeply with their fields while also enjoying the resources of a large public university.
Looking at life after graduation, graduates from Michigan can expect to earn about $83,648 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earnings reflects the strong career support and alumni network that helps many students advance in their careers. The university’s high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the commitment of faculty and students alike, ensuring that most make it through to graduation, which is a key factor in securing better job opportunities.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price for students after financial aid is around $13,138, making it a reasonably affordable choice given the quality of education received. With a median debt of $19,500, most graduates leave with manageable loans, especially in light of their earning potential. Students who excel here often share a drive to succeed and a passion for their chosen fields, making Michigan a great fit for those eager to make an impact in their careers.
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with Computer Science (16%).
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Psychology, while University of Michigan 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 Michigan?
Davidson College is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 16% at University of Michigan.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,138 after aid versus $17,379 at Davidson College.
Do Davidson College or University of Michigan graduates earn more?
University of Michigan graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,400 at Davidson College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 91%.
Should you choose Davidson College or University of Michigan?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Michigan 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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