Head-to-Head Comparison
Davidson College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Davidson Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 21
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Wisconsin-Madison benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,792 at ten years.
54 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, 10% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 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
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $25 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Davidson graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (23% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (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 Davidson College over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Davidson College. Net price $17,354 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 Wisconsin-Madison 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,469 to 1,427.
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 Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $25 a year below Davidson College's $17,379. Graduates of Davidson College also borrow less: median debt of $18,688, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $100 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Davidson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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 Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Davidson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Wisconsin-Madison saves about $25 a year, yet Davidson College graduates earn $7,608 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Davidson College concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Davidson College has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Davidson College's 1,867.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Davidson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Wisconsin-Madison 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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 Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
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 Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (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 Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Davidson College is strongest in Psychology, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
Davidson College is harder to get into, admitting 13% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, Davidson College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $17,379 at Davidson College.
Do Davidson College or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Davidson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,400 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Davidson College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Should you choose Davidson College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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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