| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Davidson, North Carolina, USA
Type: Private, Liberal Arts College
Founded: 1837
Affiliation: Historically Presbyterian, now non-denominational
Enrollment: ~1,900 undergraduate students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)
Davidson offers rigorous liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary study.
Political Science
Economics
Biology
Psychology
English
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
Mathematics
Public Health (newer program)
Pre-professional advising is strong in areas like:
Pre-Med
Pre-Law
Business/Finance (through the Davidson Impact Fellows Program)
Honor Code: Students take unproctored exams and pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal. It builds a high level of trust across the community.
No Greek life (fraternities/sororities): But a vibrant student life with clubs, traditions, and social events.
Division I Athletics: Part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Strong basketball program.
Small Classes & Close Mentorship: Classes are capped at around 20 students.
Over 65% of students study abroad during their time at Davidson.
Offers global internships, language immersion, and cultural exchange programs.
Tuition & Fees: ~$60,000/year
Total Cost (with room/board): ~$78,000/year
Need-Blind Admission for U.S. students
Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need (including international students)
Offers grants instead of loans in aid packages (no-loan policy)
Davidson, NC is a small, charming college town about 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city.
Safe, walkable, and community-oriented.
Stephen Curry – NBA star (Golden State Warriors)
Anthony Foxx – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Dean Rusk – Former U.S. Secretary of State
Numerous CEOs, authors, scholars, and public service leaders
Davidson offers 30+ majors across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields:
English
History
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Classics
Arab Studies
Chinese Language and Literature
French and Francophone Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
Russian Studies
Political Science
Economics
Sociology
Anthropology
Psychology
Africana Studies
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Latin American Studies
Biology (BA/BS)
Chemistry (BA/BS)
Physics (BA/BS)
Environmental Studies (BA/BS)
Mathematics (BA/BS)
Computer Science (BA/BS)
Neuroscience (BS)
Public Health
Data Science
Digital Studies
East Asian Studies
Educational Studies
Environmental Studies
Global Literary Theory
International Studies
Political Philosophy, Policy & Law
South Asian Studies
Davidson also offers over 40 minors and interdisciplinary concentrations, including:
Applied Mathematics
Communication Studies
Ethics
Film and Media Studies
Medical Humanities
Theatre
Music
Art
Dance
Premed & Pre-health advising
Pre-law advising
Davidson Research Initiative (DRI) – undergraduate research support
Davidson in Washington – political internship & academic program in D.C.
Center for Civic Engagement – combines academics with community service
Study Abroad – 100+ programs across 45 countries
Davidson emphasizes:
Small classes (avg. 15 students)
One-on-one faculty mentorship
Writing-intensive curriculum
Independent research and senior thesis opportunities
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Biology (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Chemistry (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Computer Science (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Physics (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Environmental Studies (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Mathematics (BA/BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Neuroscience (BS) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Anthropology |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
English |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
History |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Religious Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Art |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Music |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Theatre |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
French and Francophone Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
German Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Hispanic Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Arab Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Chinese Language and Literature |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Latin American Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Public Health (Interdisciplinary) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Data Science (Interdisciplinary) |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Educational Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
International Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Gender and Sexuality Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
|
Africana Studies |
4 years |
$62,850 |
Location: Davidson, North Carolina (a small college town near Charlotte)
Type: Private liberal arts college
Student Body: ~1,900 undergraduates
International Students: Around 8–10% of the student population
Degree Level Offered: Bachelor’s (only) — no graduate programs
Davidson provides a broad-based liberal arts education with strong majors in:
Political Science
Economics
Biology
Computer Science
Psychology
Public Health
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Data Science (minor & interdisciplinary)
Students are encouraged to engage in research, internships, and global learning, often through study abroad or summer research projects.
High school transcripts (official, with English translations)
English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL iBT: Recommended 100+
IELTS: 7.0+
Duolingo English Test: 120+
SAT/ACT: Optional (test-optional policy)
Essays & Personal Statement
Teacher recommendations
CSS Profile (for financial aid applicants)
No application fee
Davidson is need-aware for international students, meaning financial need is considered in admission decisions, but:
They offer need-based financial aid and
Meet 100% of demonstrated financial need once admitted
Most international students receive generous aid packages
Davidson has a no-loan policy — aid comes as grants (you don't pay it back)
Residential campus — almost all students live on campus
Safe, walkable environment
200+ student organizations
Opportunities in arts, music, theatre, debate, research, and activism
No fraternities/sororities — inclusive and open social environment
Events like International Festival, culture nights, and language tables support global diversity
Davidson is in a peaceful, student-centered town but only 20–30 minutes from Charlotte, a large, diverse city with opportunities for:
Internships
Entertainment
Airports for easy travel
Davidson provides career advising and grad school preparation
International students often pursue:
Graduate school in the U.S. or abroad
Research
Work in fields like business, public service, education, and science
Optional Practical Training (OPT) support is available for F-1 visa holders post-graduation
F-1 student visa guidance through the Office of International Student Programs (ISP)
Support with:
Visa documents (I-20)
CPT/OPT applications
Orientation for international students
Ongoing cultural and academic support
Davidson offers several application plans:
Plan |
Deadline |
Decision Release |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I (binding) |
November 15 |
Mid-December |
|
Early Decision II (binding) |
January 8 |
Mid-February |
|
Regular Decision |
January 8 |
Late March / Early April |
You can apply through:
Common Application [commonapp.org]
Coalition Application [via Scoir]
Application Fee: $50 (can be waived upon request)
For All Applicants (U.S. & International):
Official high school transcripts
School report and counselor recommendation
2 teacher recommendations
Personal essay
Davidson-specific short answer questions (on the Common App)
Extracurricular activities list
Optional:
SAT or ACT scores (Davidson is test-optional)
For International Students:
English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test)
Financial documentation (if applying for aid)
CSS Profile (for financial aid consideration)
Alumni or admission interviews are available and highly recommended.
Virtual interviews are offered for international and distant students.
After applying, students get access to their Davidson applicant portal to upload documents and track progress.
U.S. Students: Submit FAFSA + CSS Profile
International Students: Submit CSS Profile only
Davidson is need-blind for U.S. citizens and need-aware for international students, but it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all.
Davidson has one main intake each year:
Intake Term |
Start Month |
Application Plans |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Primary Intake) |
August |
Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision |
Davidson does not offer Spring or Summer intakes. All new students begin in the Fall semester.
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Education |
Completion of secondary/high school or equivalent |
|
GPA |
Strong academic record; typically top 10–15% of class |
|
Curriculum |
Challenging coursework (AP, IB, A-Levels, etc., if available) |
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional (test-optional policy) |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 100+ (recommended) |
|
Academic Records |
Must be in English or have certified English translations |
|
Financial Aid Forms |
CSS Profile (if applying for aid) |
|
Passport Copy |
Required if admitted for I-20 issuance (student visa) |
Ranking Platform |
Category |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not ranked (focuses on research universities) |
– |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
National Liberal Arts Colleges |
Top 15 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Undergraduate Teaching |
Top 10 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Value Schools |
Top 10 |
|
Forbes |
Top Liberal Arts Colleges |
Top 20 |
|
Niche.com |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America |
A+ Rating / Top 15 |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Not ranked globally (liberal arts focus) |
– |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Type |
Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
|
John M. Belk Scholarship |
Exceptional leadership & academic achievement (nominated by school) |
Merit-Based |
Full tuition + fees + stipend |
|
Charles Scholarship |
High-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds (esp. Chicago) |
Need + Merit |
Full tuition + room & board |
|
Trustee Scholarships |
Admitted students with top academic records |
Merit-Based |
Partial tuition (varies) |
|
International Student Grants |
All international applicants (need-aware admission) |
Need-Based |
Up to full demonstrated need |
|
Davidson Need-Based Aid |
U.S. and international students |
Need-Based |
Up to full tuition, room & board |
|
No-Loan Financial Aid Policy |
All admitted students with financial need |
Grant-Based (replaces loans) |
— no student loans required |
Residence Hall / Housing Type |
Student Type |
Room Type |
Features |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Belk Hall |
First-year students |
Double occupancy |
Central location, communal bathrooms, study lounges |
Included in standard housing cost |
|
Cannon Hall |
First-year & upperclassmen |
Double / Single |
Historic style, shared common spaces |
Included |
|
Duke Hall |
Upperclassmen |
Double / Single |
Suite-style, in-room sinks, modern layout |
Included |
|
Akers / Irwin / Sentelle Halls |
Upperclassmen |
Double / Single |
Quiet, community-focused, shared kitchens |
Included |
|
Apartments (Flats at 130 / Houses) |
Seniors only |
Single in apartment/shared house |
Kitchen, living area, off-campus feel |
Included in senior housing rate |
|
Martin Court Apartments |
Juniors & Seniors |
4-person apartments |
Full kitchen, living room, private bedrooms |
Included |
Housing |
Cost per Year |
|---|---|
|
Standard On-Campus Housing |
$8,950 – $10,000 |
|
Meal Plan (Full Board – required for on-campus residents) |
$7,300 – $7,800 |
|
Total Room & Board (Typical) |
~$16,500 – $17,800/year |
Davidson is known for its inclusive and collaborative student culture. With around 1,900 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone knows everyone, and students often refer to campus as a second home. Small class sizes foster discussion, and professors are deeply involved in students’ lives, both academically and personally.
Almost all students live on campus for their first three years, and many seniors choose to stay in college-owned apartments or houses. This creates a strong sense of community and ensures student life is vibrant both day and night. Dorms are mixed by class year, encouraging inter-class friendships and mentorship.
Students work hard — Davidson is academically rigorous — but the environment is supportive rather than competitive. Collaboration is encouraged, and the Honor Code allows for take-home, unproctored exams and open trust between students and faculty. Many students engage in research with faculty and present at conferences or publish papers before graduation.
Davidson has become increasingly global and diverse, with students from more than 40 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Programs like the International Student Programs (ISP), Affinity Groups, and Cultural Heritage Celebrations help foster a sense of belonging for students from all backgrounds.
There are more than 200 student-run organizations at Davidson, including:
A cappella groups
Cultural and identity-based clubs
Student government
Service and sustainability organizations
Theater and dance troupes
Political and social activism groups
A strong campus newspaper and radio station
If you don’t find a club you like, it’s easy to start your own.
Davidson has beloved traditions like:
Frolics Weekend (spring festival)
Cake Race (first-year welcome run)
Winterfest (holiday celebration)
Midnight breakfasts during finals These events strengthen campus spirit and create lasting memories.
Davidson competes in NCAA Division I sports and is part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The men’s basketball team is particularly well-known (NBA star Stephen Curry played here). Beyond varsity sports, there are club teams, intramurals, and a beautiful fitness and recreation center available to all students.
Over 65% of Davidson students study abroad. There are programs on every continent (except Antarctica!) and students often combine global study with service, research, or internships. The college encourages international engagement through its curriculum and travel fellowships.
Davidson’s Center for Career Development offers personalized support for internships, fellowships, grad school, and job searches. Many students take part in:
Davidson Impact Fellows (public service work)
Summer internships in NYC, D.C., or abroad
Alumni networking events and mentoring
Davidson’s campus is beautiful, walkable, and green, with historic buildings, modern facilities, and plenty of outdoor spaces. The town of Davidson is small, safe, and charming — with coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and access to Charlotte (a major city just 20 minutes away).
95% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in meaningful service (like fellowships or research) within 6–12 months of graduation.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in business, government, medicine, education, the arts, and sciences.
Top graduate schools attended include Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Oxford, and Duke.
Finance & Consulting
Public Policy & Government
Education & Academia
Medicine & Healthcare (Pre-Med Track)
Nonprofits & NGOs
Technology & Data Analytics
Law & Legal Services
Environmental Policy
Marketing, Media & Journalism
Bank of America
Deloitte
Teach For America
McKinsey & Company
U.S. Department of State
Goldman Sachs
Epic Systems
UNICEF
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Davidson’s Center for Career Development (CCD) offers:
One-on-one career coaching
Resume and cover letter workshops
Alumni networking events
Internship and job search support
Mock interviews and skill-building sessions
Graduate school prep (including for law, medicine, business)
Davidson Impact Fellows – one-year, full-time paid positions with nonprofits after graduation
Davidson in Washington – semester program combining academic coursework and internships in D.C.
Summer internships funded through the Grants and Fellowships Office
Networking through Davidson alumni, including an active LinkedIn community and mentorship programs
Salaries vary by field, but generally:
Business/Finance/Consulting: $60,000–$80,000+
Technology/Data Science: $70,000–$90,000+
Education/Nonprofit/Public Service: $35,000–$50,000
Healthcare/Pre-Med Track: Often pursue further education
Many Davidson students pursue graduate or professional degrees.
Fields: Law, Medicine, Public Health, Economics, Data Science, and International Relations.
Acceptance rates to law and medical schools are significantly above national average.
The acceptance rate of Davidson College, USA is approximately 17%–20%, making it a highly selective liberal arts college.
Overall Acceptance Rate: ~17%–20%
Early Decision Applicants: Tend to have a higher acceptance rate (estimated around 30–35%)
Regular Decision Applicants: More competitive, typically under 15% acceptance
International Applicants: Competitive; Davidson is need-aware for international students, so applying for financial aid may impact admissions decisions
Davidson uses a holistic admissions process, considering:
Academic rigor and grades (top 10% of high school class is common)
Strong writing and personal statement
Teacher recommendations
Leadership and extracurricular involvement
Optional SAT/ACT scores (Davidson is test-optional)
Fit with Davidson’s values, such as community engagement and academic integrity
Address:
Davidson College
405 N Main Street
Davidson, NC 28035
United States
Geographic Location:
Situated in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
About 20–25 miles north of Charlotte, the largest city in the state
Located near Lake Norman, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region
665-acre campus with historic architecture, green spaces, gardens, and modern facilities
Walkable and safe — most students get around on foot or by bike
Offers a peaceful, academically focused atmosphere with access to urban resources nearby
Closest airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – ~30-minute drive
Easily accessible by car or public transportation from surrounding cities
