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Davidson College vs Wake Forest University

Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 22% at Wake Forest University. Davidson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,379 a year against $28,719 at Wake Forest University. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 90% at Wake Forest University. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $78,158 for Wake Forest University.

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Davidson College

Davidson, NC · Private

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Davidson, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,867
5,485
Acceptance rate
13%
22%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1410–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$28,719
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$87,499
In-state tuition
$64,410
$67,642
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$67,642
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$6,525
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$6,331
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$7,647
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$12,771
Over $110k
$42,346
$58,081
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
90%
Freshman retention
95%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$67,722
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$78,158
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
10%
First-generation students
16%
12%
International students
11%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jan 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 Wake Forest University harder to get into?
Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 22% at Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest University?
Davidson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,379 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,719 at Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest University?
Before aid, Davidson College costs about $79,475 a year and Wake Forest University about $87,499. 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 Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,525 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 Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University is the larger of the two, with about 5,485 undergraduates against 1,867 at Davidson College.
Does Davidson College or Wake Forest University have a better graduation rate?
Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 90% at Wake Forest University.
Do graduates of Davidson College or Wake Forest University earn more?
Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,158 for Wake Forest University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Davidson College and Wake Forest University require SAT or ACT scores?
Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wake Forest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Davidson College and Wake Forest University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1410–1520 at Wake Forest 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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