Davidson College vs Wake Forest University
Davidson College is highly selective with a 14.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Wake Forest University (21.6%). Graduates of Davidson College earn $3,242 more per year at the 10-year mark ($81,400 vs $78,158). For families earning $48k–$75k, Davidson College is more affordable at $7,610 net price vs $12,769. Students at Davidson College graduate with less debt ($18,688 vs $21,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Davidson College has a higher yield rate (48.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1455, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Davidson, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Davidson College is more affordable at $6,613 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $40,503 vs $54,447.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Davidson College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (17%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services$80,510
- 2 Computer Science$71,015
- 3 Mathematics$70,456
- 4 Business/Commerce, General$66,653
- 5 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$63,005
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Davidson College
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Economics
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Computer Science
Wake Forest University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Business/Commerce, General
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Davidson College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$54,460
- Est. total cost/year$70,400
- School typePublic
Wake Forest University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$56,722
- Est. total cost/year$73,280
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Davidson College or Wake Forest University?
Davidson College is more selective with a 14.5% acceptance rate, compared to 21.6%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Davidson College or Wake Forest University?
Davidson College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $81,400 compared to $78,158. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Davidson College or Wake Forest University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Davidson College has a lower net price at $7,610 per year vs $12,769. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Davidson College vs Wake Forest University?
Davidson College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 91.9%, compared to 90.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Davidson College or Wake Forest University?
Davidson College has a larger international student population at 10% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Davidson College and Wake Forest University?
At Wake Forest University, the top-earning major is Finance and Financial Management Services at $80,510. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.