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College comparison
Colgate 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 |  Colgate Hamilton, NY |  Davidson Davidson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDavidson College is more selective | 14% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1430–1540 | 1400–1530 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,180 | 1,867 |
| Avg net price | $28,786 | $17,379 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colgate reports higher median earnings | $85,139 | $81,400 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 91% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,688 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 0.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colgate vs Davidson: how they compare
Both are elite, residential liberal arts colleges with strong reputations, but they present distinct value propositions and campus cultures.
By the numbers Colgate and Davidson are peers in selectivity (14% vs. 13% acceptance) and academic caliber (SAT 25–75: 1430–1540 vs.我们发现0–1530), with identical 91% graduation rates. Davidson offers a stronger financial proposition, with a much lower average net price ($17k vs. $29k) and a higher value multiplier (4.7× vs. 3.0× earnings per dollar of net price). Colgate’s 10-year median earnings are slightly higher ($85k vs. $81k). Colgate excels in economic mobility (87% rate vs. 41%) but has higher admit-rate volatility (112% vs. 41%), suggesting less predictable admissions cycles. Both have excellent DOE financial health scores (2.6/3 vs. 2.7/3).
Where they overlap They share a commitment to a rigorous, intimate liberal arts education with high graduation success. Both are residential communities where students form tight-knit bonds, supported by robust alumni networks. Their settings—Colgate’s college town and Davidson’s suburb—offer contained, traditional campus experiences.
How they differ The cultures diverge notably. Colgate has a social scene that includes Greek life. Davidson’s culture is often described as more low-key and academically intense, with a strong honor code shaping campus life. Social life at Davidson is less dominated by Greek institutions.
Who each suits Colgate suits a student seeking a classic college experience in a rural setting, who thrives in a socially active environment and values high economic mobility outcomes. Davidson is ideal for a student prioritizing exceptional financial value, a more subdued and honor-bound campus atmosphere, and a slightly more predictable admissions process, all within a suburban context near a major city.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colgate University or Davidson College harder to get into?
- Davidson College is more selective: Colgate University's acceptance rate is approximately 14% and Davidson College's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colgate University vs Davidson College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1430–1540 at Colgate University 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.