College comparison
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 | Haverford Haverford, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHaverford College is more selective | 13% | 12% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1400–1530 | 1460–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,867 | 1,430 |
| Avg net price | $17,379 | $25,314 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Davidson reports higher median earnings | $81,400 | $79,966 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 90% |
| Median debt | $18,688 | $13,621 |
| Economic mobility | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
For a data-driven family weighing two elite liberal arts colleges, Davidson and Haverford present a choice between different campus cultures.
By the numbers AdmitQuant's verified data shows these schools are similarly selective (Davidson 13%, Haverford 12%) and produce nearly identical 10-year median earnings ($81k vs. $80k). Davidson offers a stronger financial value proposition, with a lower average net price ($17k vs. $25k) and a higher 4.7x earnings-per-dollar value multiplier compared to Haverford's 3.2x. Haverford excels in economic mobility, with a remarkable 180% mobility rate versus Davidson's 41%, and leads in producing future scholars (11.3 S&E PhD yield). Both schools are financially healthy, with Haverford holding a perfect 3.0/3 DOE score to Davidson's 2.7/3. Graduation rates are virtually identical (91% vs. 90%).
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective, suburban liberal arts colleges with strong graduation outcomes and robust financial health. They share a commitment to undergraduate education within a close-knit residential setting.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge. Davidson fosters a more traditional college experience with Greek life and eating houses, Division I athletics, and a focus on holistic student development. Haverford's culture is defined by its rigorous, progressive, and quieter academic environment, a central honor code governing campus life, and a reputation for strength in the humanities and arts.
Who each suits Davidson is a fit for a student seeking a vibrant, traditional campus culture with D1 sports and structured social outlets like Greek life, alongside strong sciences and economics. Haverford suits a highly self-motivated, intellectually driven student who thrives in a collaborative, low-key environment with a focus on academics and a progressive ethos.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
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.
| Location | Davidson, NC | Haverford, PA |
|---|