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Davidson College vs Carolina University

Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 40% at Carolina University. Davidson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,379 a year against $20,828 at Carolina University. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $32,864 for Carolina University.

Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Davidson, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,867
460
Acceptance rate
13%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$32,680
In-state tuition
$64,410
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$17,575
Application fee
$50
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$23,597
Over $110k
$42,346
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
24%
Freshman retention
95%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
37%
First-generation students
16%
33%
International students
11%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jul 1

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 Davidson College or Carolina University harder to get into?
Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 40% at Carolina University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Davidson College or Carolina University?
Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,828 at Carolina University. 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 Davidson College and Carolina University?
Before aid, Carolina University costs about $32,680 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, Davidson College or Carolina University?
Davidson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,497 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Davidson College or Carolina University?
Davidson College is the larger of the two, with about 1,867 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
Does Davidson College or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 24% at Carolina University.
Do graduates of Davidson College or Carolina University earn more?
Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davidson College and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Davidson College and Carolina University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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