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Davidson College vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 42% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,303 a year against $17,379 at Davidson College. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 85% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh.

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Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Davidson, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,867
27,371
Acceptance rate
13%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
~3.83 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$17,303
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$26,425
In-state tuition
$64,410
$8,799
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$32,847
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$6,382
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$8,758
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$13,334
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$20,087
Over $110k
$42,346
$24,652
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
85%
Freshman retention
95%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$57,623
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$68,758
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$20,121
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
20%
First-generation students
16%
19%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jan 15

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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh harder to get into?
Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 42% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,303 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,379 at Davidson 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 Davidson College and North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Before aid, North Carolina State University at Raleigh costs about $26,425 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,382 there, against about $9,497 at Davidson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Davidson College or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the larger of the two, with about 27,371 undergraduates against 1,867 at Davidson College.
Does Davidson College or North Carolina State University at Raleigh have a better graduation rate?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 85% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Do graduates of Davidson College or North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn more?
Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davidson College and North Carolina State University at Raleigh require SAT or ACT scores?
Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Davidson College and North Carolina State University at Raleigh look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1300–1470 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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