Affordability & Access

Our financial aid is extraordinary and rare.

• Admit domestic students without regard for their ability to pay,
• Meet 100 percent of calculated need, and
• Provide financial aid packages with no loans.

There are 2,600 colleges and universities in the United States, and Davidson is one of fewer than two dozen that takes all three of those critical steps to make your college experience affordable.

We don't look at your bank account when we are looking at your application, and we meet your need with direct grants that you never have to pay back and a student job on campus. No loans.

Talent and intellect are not determined by income or zip code. Here is how we ensure that a world class experience remains accessible:

• Finances Aside: Our admission decisions are made without regard to your financial need. We evaluate your academic potential, character and personal accomplishments alone.
• Simple, Clear Costs: We have streamlined income thresholds to make the Davidson experience clear and accessible from day one.
• Majority Support: 70 percent of our students receive financial assistance. The average aid package is $66,000.
• Debt-free Future: Because our aid packages are loan-free, our graduates are empowered to plan their futures based on their passions and capabilities, rather than their finances.

Although this only applies to citizens who live in the U.S. or people with full residency in the U.S., we are committed to meeting 100 percent of the calculated financial need for international students admitted to Davidson. Learn more about the international student experience. 

Starting with those applying to enter Davidson in the fall of 2027, the following thresholds apply to citizens who live in the U.S. or people with full residency in the U.S.

• Total family income $85,000 or less: Full direct costs — tuition, housing, meals, and fees covered

• Total family income over $85,000–$175,000: Tuition-free attendance

• Total family income above $175,000: Financial aid packages available; the closer income is to $175,000, the closer the package is to tuition-free

These commitments apply throughout a student's time at Davidson, as long as income and assets continue to qualify. 

Davidson College financial aid tiers by household income

Household income

$85,000 or less^*

Full Direct Costs Scholarship

Full Tuition

Housing

Meals

Fees

Household income

Over $85,000 to $175,000^*

Full Tuition Scholarship

Full Tuition

Meet Full Calculated Financial Need

Household income

Above $175,000^*

We Meet Full Calculated Need Without Loans

Financial aid packages available; the closer income is to $175,000, the closer the package is to tuition-free.

Estimate Your Costs

* Assuming typical assets based on a family's adjusted gross income and on whether their assets, such as real estate or stocks, are typical for that income level.