Middlebury College vs Davidson College

Middlebury College and Davidson College, both highly regarded liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Middlebury, located in Vermont, boasts a lower acceptance rate (15.6%) compared to Davidson's (23.4%) in North Carolina. While Middlebury's student body is slightly larger, both colleges share a commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention. Davidson's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students and students of color. In terms of academics, Middlebury offers a wider range of majors, including popular choices like economics, political science, and environmental studies, while Davidson is known for its strengths in the natural sciences and engineering. Both colleges boast impressive graduation rates, with Middlebury's at 94% and Davidson's at 93%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and find the college that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Davidson College	Middlebury College
Overview
Location	Davidson, North Carolina	Middlebury, Vermont
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	95.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.8%	13.4%
Application fees	$50	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1380 - 1530
ACT range	N/A	32 - 34
Students submitting SAT score		31.0%
Students submitting ACT score		23.0%
Total number of applicants	6,434	11,906
Total number of admissions given out	1,145	1,601
Admitted students who chose to enroll	547	680
Yield rate	47.8%	42.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$73,200	$78,820
Average net price	$25,794	$26,958
Tuition	$54,460	$59,330
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,700 Meal plan: $7,525	Room/dormitory: $9,600 Meal plan: $7,450
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $47,889	52.0% Average amount $49,988
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $5,095	25.0% Average amount $4,384
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $33,219	10.0% Average amount $7,858

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,973 Men 47.2% Women 52.8%	2,858 Men 46.4% Women 53.6%
Graduate students	N/A	79 Men 8.9% Women 91.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.8%	94.7%
International students	8.2%	12.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,830	2,891
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia Texas New Jersey Florida	New York Mississippi California Connecticut Vermont

Academics
Popular study areas	Psychology Physical Science Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Ethnic Studies	Foreign Languages and Literatures Social Sciences Ethnic Studies English Language and Literature Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.6%	91.2%
Dropout rate	10.0%	1.7%
Transferred out	N/A	7.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $60,797 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,388 Political Science and Government (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $42,752 Year 2: $45,715 Year 3: $53,747 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $41,099 Year 2: $35,330 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $31,670 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $34,292 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: N/A Anthropology (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A History (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $22,075 Year 3: N/A	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,712 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $98,106 International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,169 Year 2: $60,523 Year 3: $68,272 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,074 Year 2: $41,025 Year 3: $62,953 International Business (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,380 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $62,186 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,883 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $61,255 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,031 Year 2: $40,485 Year 3: $60,732 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,928 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,550 Education, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,155 Year 2: $46,869 Year 3: $50,725 Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,056 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $44,126 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,769 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $41,771

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Middlebury and Davidson?

Middlebury is known for its strong language programs and international studies, offering a unique immersion experience through its Language Schools. Davidson, on the other hand, excels in its liberal arts foundation with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and a pre-professional focus, particularly in areas like pre-med and pre-law.
How do the campus cultures compare at Middlebury and Davidson?

Middlebury's campus culture is often described as outdoorsy and intellectually curious, with a strong emphasis on environmentalism and global awareness. Davidson's culture is more traditionally Southern, emphasizing community, honor, and a strong sense of tradition. While both are academically rigorous, Davidson tends to have a more pronounced focus on student leadership and service.
What are the key differences in location and surrounding environment?

Middlebury College is located in a rural Vermont town, offering access to skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty and small-town charm. Davidson College is situated in a suburban town near Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a balance of small-town atmosphere with access to a larger city's amenities and opportunities.
How do Middlebury and Davidson differ in terms of student body size and demographics?

Middlebury has a slightly larger undergraduate student body than Davidson. While both institutions attract a diverse student population, Davidson tends to draw a larger percentage of students from the Southeast, while Middlebury has a stronger representation from the Northeast and international students.
What are the main differences in financial aid and tuition costs?

Both Middlebury and Davidson are committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of their students. While tuition costs are comparable, the specific financial aid packages offered can vary based on individual circumstances. It's best to compare your personalized financial aid offers from each institution to determine the most affordable option.
How do the athletic programs compare between Middlebury and Davidson?

Middlebury competes in NCAA Division III, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. They are particularly strong in winter sports like skiing and ice hockey. Davidson competes in NCAA Division I for most sports, offering a more competitive athletic environment, particularly in basketball. Davidson is part of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
What are the differences in post-graduate opportunities and career services?

Both Middlebury and Davidson offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for life after graduation. Middlebury's strong alumni network is particularly helpful for students interested in international careers and non-profit work. Davidson's location near Charlotte provides access to internships and job opportunities in finance, business, and technology. Both schools have strong placement rates in graduate programs and various industries.
What are some similarities between Middlebury and Davidson?

Both Middlebury and Davidson are highly selective liberal arts colleges with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and small class sizes. They both offer a close-knit community environment where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers. Both institutions are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for leadership and service.
How do the dining experiences differ between Middlebury and Davidson?

Both Middlebury and Davidson offer a variety of dining options on campus. Middlebury is known for its commitment to sustainable dining practices and locally sourced food. Davidson offers a more traditional dining hall experience with a focus on Southern cuisine. Both colleges cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
What are the differences in housing options at Middlebury and Davidson?

Both Middlebury and Davidson offer a range of housing options, including traditional dormitories, suites, and themed housing communities. Middlebury has a unique Commons system, where students are affiliated with a specific residential community throughout their time at the college. Davidson emphasizes residential life as an integral part of the student experience, with a strong focus on building community within residence halls.

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