Bates College vs Davidson College
Bates College is highly selective with a 13.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Davidson College (14.5%). Graduates of Davidson College earn $11,902 more per year at the 10-year mark ($81,400 vs $69,498). For families earning $48k–$75k, Davidson College is more affordable at $7,610 net price vs $11,336. Students at Bates College graduate with less debt ($14,275 vs $18,688).
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 1450, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Lewiston, ME
Davidson, 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), Bates College is more affordable at $2,397 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $45,886 vs $40,503.
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.
Bates College
- 1 Economics$69,338
- 2 History$51,273
- 3 Political Science and Government$38,289
- 4 Sociology$35,600
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$30,771
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.
Bates College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Biology, General
Davidson College
- 1 Biology, General
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Economics
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Computer Science
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.
Bates College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$57,353
- Est. total cost/year$73,530
- School typePublic
Davidson College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$54,460
- Est. total cost/year$70,400
- 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 Bates College or Davidson College?
Bates College is more selective with a 13.0% acceptance rate, compared to 14.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bates College or Davidson College?
Davidson College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $81,400 compared to $69,498. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bates College or Davidson College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Davidson College has a lower net price at $7,610 per year vs $11,336. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bates College vs Davidson College?
Davidson College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 91.9%, compared to 90.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bates College or Davidson College?
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 Bates College and Davidson College?
At Bates College, Economics graduates earn a median of $69,338 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.