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College comparison
Bates vs Davidson
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Bates Lewiston, ME |  Davidson Davidson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBates College is more selective | 13% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1420–1530 | 1400–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,760 | 1,867 |
| Avg net price | $29,351 | $17,379 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Davidson reports higher median earnings | $69,498 | $81,400 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 91% |
| Median debt | $14,275 | $18,688 |
| Economic mobility | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Bates vs Davidson: how they compare
Two highly selective liberal arts colleges with similar admissions profiles diverge sharply in financial value and campus culture.
By the numbers Both Bates and Davidson share a 13% acceptance rate and near-identical SAT midranges (Bates: 1420–1530; Davidson: 1400–1530), with high graduation rates (90% vs. 91%). The key contrasts are in outcomes and value. Davidson’s 10-year median earnings are $81k versus Bates’s $69k. Combined with Davidson’s significantly lower average net price ($17k vs. Bates’s $29k), its calculated value (4.7× earnings per dollar of net price) is nearly double Bates’s (2.4×). Bates shows a much stronger commitment to economic mobility, with a 76% mobility rate compared to Davidson’s 41%. Financially, both are robust, with Bates earning a DOE financial health score of 3.0/3 and Davidson a 2.7/3.
Where they overlap They are both classic, rigorous liberal arts institutions offering small classes, accessible professors, and a tight-knit community focused on undergraduate development. Each provides a supportive residential environment designed to foster intellectual and personal growth.
How they differ The cultures and settings are distinct. Bates, located in a small Maine city, is often described as a more liberal and artsy campus with a vibrant, eclectic student body. Davidson, situated in a suburban Southern town, fosters a friendly and supportive community noted for being more politically moderate. The climates are also a stark contrast: New England winters versus milder Southeastern weather.
Who each suits Bates suits a student seeking a progressive, eclectic campus culture in a small New England city, who prioritizes high economic mobility and is undeterred by cold weather. Davidson is the fit for a student drawn to a traditional, collegial Southern liberal arts experience in a suburban setting, who places a premium on the quantitative return on investment and higher median earnings.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Bates College or Davidson College harder to get into?
- Bates College is more selective: Bates College's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Davidson College's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Bates College vs Davidson College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1420–1530 at Bates College and 1400–1530 at Davidson College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.