Loading…
College comparison
Davidson vs Hamilton
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 |  Davidson Davidson, NC |  Hamilton Clinton, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDavidson College is more selective | 13% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1400–1530 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,867 | 2,030 |
| Avg net price | $17,379 | $28,985 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Davidson reports higher median earnings | $81,400 | $78,411 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 91% |
| Median debt | $18,688 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 0.4% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Davidson vs Hamilton: how they compare
Two liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes, where the choice often hinges on cost, culture, and location.
By the numbers The data reveals a clear trade-off between cost and economic mobility. Davidson offers exceptional financial value, with an average net price of $17k yielding a high value multiplier of 4.7x earnings per dollar and 10-year median earnings of $81k. Its economic-mobility rate is 41%. Hamilton has a higher average net price ($29k) and a lower value multiplier (2.7x), with slightly lower median earnings ($78k), but boasts a remarkably high economic-mobility rate of 230%. Selectivity is nearly identical (Davidson 13% vs. Hamilton 14% acceptance), with Hamilton's SAT 25-75 range (1450–1550) slightly higher than Davidson's (1400–1530). Both have strong graduation rates (91%) and DOE financial health scores (Davidson 2.7/3, Hamilton 2.9/3).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, suburban liberal arts colleges with identical graduation rates and robust financial health. They share a reputation for rigorous academics and strong social communities.
How they differ The primary distinctions are geographic and cultural. Davidson is located in the South, offering a traditional, close-knit campus atmosphere within a charming town. Qualitative notes describe friendly, happy students and a pleasant setting. Hamilton, in upstate New York, presents a different regional character. The culture and social scene are shaped by its Northeast location.
Davidson suits students seeking a strong pre-professional focus, a warm, approachable community, and a classic Southern college experience with strong financial value. Hamilton is a compelling match for students drawn to the Northeast, its distinctive campus culture, and a college with a standout record of elevating students' economic trajectories.
Quick answers
- Is Davidson College or Hamilton College harder to get into?
- Davidson College is more selective: Davidson College's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Hamilton College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Davidson College vs Hamilton College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1450–1550 at Hamilton 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.