Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a full explanation of our cost of attendance.

In 2007, Davidson announced a groundbreaking policy which eliminated loans from all financial aid packaging, allowing students to graduate debt-free. Today, we proudly stand as one of only two dozen schools in the United States that admit students independent of their family’s ability to pay, meet 100 percent of calculated need, and do so without loans in their aid package.

Although you will not be expected to take out a loan as part of your financial aid award package, you and your family may still elect to take out education loans as a matter of personal financing.

Yes. We award scholarships to nearly 5% percent of each entering class.

Student employment positions are offered through numerous on-campus offices, academic departments, and co-curricular programs-from Information Technology Services to the College Union to the Biology Department.

In some cases, we may offer an on-campus job as part of need-based financial aid packaging.

Within standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, we use our own formula to determine eligibility for aid. From the financial information you provide, we calculate your family contribution, subtracting it from the cost of attendance for the academic year.

The size of your family, income, taxes, living costs, assets, number of siblings in college, and, in some cases, other personal or financial circumstances determine your contribution.

Although results will necessarily depend on the accuracy of the information a family enters in the tool, our Net Price Calculator remains a helpful resource for estimating college costs at Davidson.

First, you can always call our office and speak to a financial aid counselor—we are happy to help. Call 704-894-2232.

Davidson is intentional in awarding need-based and scholarship aid, meeting 100% of calculated financial need. However, in some instances you may submit an online request for a Financial Aid Appeal. 

While you must reapply for financial assistance each year, aid is normally renewable for four years, providing you make satisfactory progress toward a degree and your family financial circumstances remain the same.

No. Our admission policy states that your family's ability to pay for your education has no bearing on our admission decision.

No. If you demonstrate need, you will be offered financial aid packages to meet your need whether you were admitted by early decision or regular decision.

We do not match other schools' financial aid offers. However, we are available to discuss your questions and concerns about your financial aid package. If you believe that we have made an error in our review or if extenuating family circumstances were not revealed in the financial aid application, we encourage you to contact our office.

Look carefully at the types of aid in each package. What is the proportion of grants, loans, and campus employment funds? Compare the total aid package with the total cost of attending the institution. Be aware that some schools only consider your need in light of direct costs, i.e., tuition, fees, room and board; not total costs, including books, transportation, and personal expenses. Our comprehensive fee includes tuition, required student fees (including laundry), room, and board.

Learn more about the treatment of Outside Scholarships & Resources. In all cases, as soon as possible after they are notified of their outside award, students must complete and submit Davidson's Outside Resource Notification Form, so award adjustments may be made as needed. The Outside Resource Notification Form can be found on our Financial Aid Forms page.

Explore a full explanation of Davidson’s approach to financial aid for Study Abroad and Away.

We are eager to answer questions about the financial aid process and other means of making Davidson affordable. Please contact our financial aid staff.