Davidson College vs Winston-Salem State University
Davidson College is a private college in Davidson, NC, and Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Davidson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 13% of applicants against 78% at Winston-Salem State University. Winston-Salem State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,479 a year against $17,379 at Davidson College. About 91% of students graduate at Davidson College, compared with 48% at Winston-Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Davidson College alumni earn a median of about $81,400, against $45,344 for Winston-Salem State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Davidson, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,867
4,170
Acceptance rate
13%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
830–1020
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
15–20
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,379
$13,479
Full cost / yr
$79,475
$23,147
In-state tuition
$64,410
$6,126
Out-of-state tuition
$64,410
$16,782
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,497
$11,463
$30k - $48k
$5,354
$12,412
$48k - $75k
$6,759
$14,681
$75k - $110k
$18,616
$18,813
Over $110k
$42,346
$21,405
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
48%
Freshman retention
95%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,866
$40,557
Median earnings (10 yr)
$81,400
$45,344
Median debt at graduation
$18,688
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
65%
First-generation students
16%
35%
International students
11%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 11
Jun 28
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.
- Is Davidson College or Winston-Salem State University harder to get into?
- Davidson College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 78% at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,479 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Before aid, Winston-Salem State University costs about $23,147 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 Winston-Salem State University?
- Davidson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,497 there, against about $11,463 at Winston-Salem State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Davidson College or Winston-Salem State University?
- Winston-Salem State University is the larger of the two, with about 4,170 undergraduates against 1,867 at Davidson College.
- Does Davidson College or Winston-Salem State University have a better graduation rate?
- Davidson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 91% against 48% at Winston-Salem State University.
- Do graduates of Davidson College or Winston-Salem State University earn more?
- Davidson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,400 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,344 for Winston-Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Davidson College and Winston-Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Davidson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Winston-Salem State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Davidson College and Winston-Salem State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 830–1020 at Winston-Salem State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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