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Catawba College vs Davidson College

Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, NC, and Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 75% at Catawba College. Davidson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,379 a year against $17,879 at Catawba College. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 50% at Catawba College. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $48,793 for Catawba College.

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private

Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Salisbury, NC
Davidson, NC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,235
1,867
Acceptance rate
75%
13%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1300
1400–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,879
$17,379
Full cost / yr
$49,516
$79,475
In-state tuition
$34,300
$64,410
Out-of-state tuition
$34,300
$64,410
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,618
$9,497
$30k - $48k
$17,495
$5,354
$48k - $75k
$15,412
$6,759
$75k - $110k
$17,440
$18,616
Over $110k
$24,420
$42,346
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
91%
Freshman retention
77%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,912
$62,866
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,793
$81,400
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$18,688
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
18%
First-generation students
30%
16%
International students
7%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 11

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Catawba College or Davidson College harder to get into?
Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 75% at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Catawba College or Davidson College?
Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,879 at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Catawba College and Davidson College?
Before aid, Catawba College costs about $49,516 a year and Davidson College about $79,475. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Catawba College or Davidson College?
Davidson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,497 there, against about $13,618 at Catawba College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Catawba College or Davidson College?
Davidson College is the larger of the two, with about 1,867 undergraduates against 1,235 at Catawba College.
Does Catawba College or Davidson College have a better graduation rate?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 50% at Catawba College.
Do graduates of Catawba College or Davidson College earn more?
Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,793 for Catawba College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Catawba College and Davidson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Catawba College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Catawba College and Davidson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1300 at Catawba College and 1400–1530 at Davidson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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