Overview of Davidson College
Davidson College, located in Davidson, North Carolina, is a highly regarded private liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a focus on fostering intellectual growth and responsible citizenship. Established in 1837, Davidson has a rich history and a reputation for providing a transformative education that prepares students for leadership and service in a global context.
Liberal Arts Education: Davidson College is firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition, emphasizing a broad and interdisciplinary education. The college offers a range of undergraduate programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of diverse disciplines.
Close-Knit Community: One of Davidson’s distinguishing features is its close-knit and supportive community. With a relatively small student body, the college values personal connections and encourages close interactions between students and faculty. The low student-to-faculty ratio allows for small class sizes, fostering a collaborative and engaged learning environment.
Academic Rigor and Excellence: Davidson College is known for its academic rigor and commitment to excellence. The college attracts talented and intellectually curious students, and the faculty is dedicated to challenging students to reach their full academic potential. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry, analysis, and the development of critical skills that prepare students for a lifetime of learning.
Davidson Trust: The Davidson Trust is a unique financial aid initiative that underscores the college’s commitment to making a Davidson education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The trust meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants and student employment, eliminating the need for student loans in financial aid packages.
Global Perspective: Davidson College places a strong emphasis on developing a global perspective among its students. The college offers study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities that allow students to engage with different cultures and gain a broader understanding of global issues. The commitment to global education is reflected in the college’s efforts to prepare students for responsible and informed global citizenship.
Community Service and Leadership: Davidson College instills a sense of community service and leadership in its students. Through initiatives like the Davidson Impact Fellows program and the Bonner Scholars program, students engage in meaningful service projects that address social challenges. The college’s commitment to service aligns with its mission to educate students to lead and serve in their communities.
Undergraduate Research: Davidson encourages undergraduate research, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with faculty on original projects. The college’s commitment to research contributes to a dynamic intellectual environment and allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. Research experiences also enhance graduate school and career opportunities.
Athletics and Campus Life: Davidson College competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Wildcats, as they are known, have a strong athletic tradition. The college’s commitment to athletics is balanced with a vibrant campus life that includes a variety of student organizations, cultural events, and recreational opportunities.
Davidson Outdoors: Davidson Outdoors is a program that allows students to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking contribute to a sense of community and wellness. The program aligns with Davidson’s commitment to holistic student development.
Honor Code: Davidson College has a longstanding Honor Code that underscores principles of academic integrity, honesty, and trust. The Honor Code is a fundamental aspect of the college’s culture and community, fostering an environment of mutual respect and responsibility among students and faculty.
Alumni Success: Davidson College boasts a notable community of alumni who have achieved success in various fields, including business, academia, government, and the arts. The college’s alumni network serves as a valuable resource for current students, providing mentorship and networking opportunities.
Davidson College stands as an institution dedicated to providing a transformative liberal arts education that nurtures intellectual curiosity, fosters a sense of community, and prepares students for leadership and service. The college’s commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and responsible citizenship contributes to its standing as a respected and influential institution in higher education.
209 Ridge Road Davidson, NC 28035
Phone: (800) 768-0380
Email: admission@davidson.edu
Web site: http://www.davidson.edu
Rankings: Davidson College
Located in Davidson, NC, Davidson College is one of the best universities in the state of North Carolina. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Davidson College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Davidson College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 8 |
| Score: | 88 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.2 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 9 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 95.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 94.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 92% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 2 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 8 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 71.5% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 10:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 98.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 11 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1270-1460 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 81% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 97% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 25.7% |
| Financial resources rank: | 24 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 6 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 54.3% |
Essential Facts: Davidson College
- Davidson College admissions is most selective with an acceptance rate of 19%. Half the applicants admitted to Davidson College have an SAT score between 1290 and 1450 or an ACT score of 29 and 33.
- The average GPA at Davidson College is 3.93. This makes Davidson College Extremely Competitive for GPAs. With a GPA of 3.93, Davidson College requires you to be at the top of your class.
- At Davidson College, 50 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $45,442.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 94% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 40% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | N/A |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA I |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), wrestling |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, yearbook |