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College comparison
Davidson vs Wellesley
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 |  Wellesley Wellesley, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateDavidson College is more selective | 13% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1400–1530 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,867 | 2,300 |
| Avg net price | $17,379 | $25,496 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Wellesley reports higher median earnings | $81,400 | $84,803 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 92% |
| Median debt | $18,688 | $10,000 |
| Economic mobility | 0.4% | 2.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Davidson vs Wellesley: how they compare
Two highly selective liberal arts colleges, one in the South and one in the Northeast, present different strengths in value and scholarly preparation.
By the numbers Davidson (13% acceptance) and Wellesley (14%) are comparably selective, though Wellesley's SAT 25–75 range (1460–1560) is slightly higher than Davidson's (1400–1530). Outcomes diverge: Wellesley's 10-year median earnings are $85k versus Davidson's $81k, and it has a future-scholar yield of 7.8 for science/engineering PhDs. Davidson, however, offers strong financial value, with an average net price of $17k (vs. Wellesley's $25k) and a 4.7x earnings-per-dollar value multiplier (vs. 3.3x). Davidson also shows strong economic mobility at 41%, while Wellesley's rate is 241%. Financially, both are robust, with DOE health scores of 2.7/3 (Davidson) and 3.0/3 (Wellesley). Graduation rates are nearly identical at 91% and 92%.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, suburban liberal arts colleges with supportive residential communities and a focus on undergraduate teaching. They share high graduation rates and strong financial health.
How they differ The cultures and outcomes are distinct. Wellesley, a historic women's college, is known for producing research scholars and leaders, with an academically rigorous culture. Davidson, a co-ed college with a Presbyterian heritage, emphasizes holistic development within a collaborative community.
Who each suits Davidson suits a student seeking a tight-knit, well-rounded liberal arts experience with strong financial value and a community-oriented culture in the South. Wellesley is a match for a driven, academically ambitious student—particularly one interested in STEM or graduate scholarship—who will thrive in a powerful network of women within a rigorous New England setting.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Davidson College or Wellesley College harder to get into?
- Davidson College is more selective: Davidson College's acceptance rate is approximately 13% and Wellesley College's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Davidson College vs Wellesley College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1400–1530 at Davidson College and 1460–1560 at Wellesley 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.