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Davidson College vs Elon University

Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC. Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC. Davidson College admits about 13% of applicants and Elon University about 66%, making Davidson College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,379 a year at Davidson College after aid, and about $41,555 at Elon University. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 84% at Elon University. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $74,545 for Elon University.

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Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Davidson, NC
Elon, NC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,867
6,452
Acceptance rate
13%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1130–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
23–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$41,555
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$62,266
In-state tuition
$64,410
$46,958
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$46,958
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$26,523
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$23,514
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$24,064
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$34,472
Over $110k
$42,346
$49,743
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
84%
Freshman retention
95%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$58,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$74,545
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
10%
First-generation students
16%
9%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jan 10

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 Elon University harder to get into?
Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 66% at Elon 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 Elon University?
Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,555 at Elon 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 Elon University?
Before aid, Elon University costs about $62,266 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 Elon University?
Davidson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,497 there, against about $26,523 at Elon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Davidson College or Elon University?
Elon University is the larger of the two, with about 6,452 undergraduates against 1,867 at Davidson College.
Does Davidson College or Elon University have a better graduation rate?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 84% at Elon University.
Do graduates of Davidson College or Elon University earn more?
Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,545 for Elon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davidson College and Elon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Elon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Davidson College and Elon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1130–1280 at Elon University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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