Davidson College Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- How Davidson’s “no-loan” financial aid policy works
- Selective merit awards (Belk, Duke, and departmental)
- Honors and research opportunities for top scholars
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~12–13%
- Middle 50% ACT: 31–34
- Middle 50% SAT: 1380–1520
- Average GPA (HS): 3.9+ (unweighted)
Source: Davidson College Office of Admission and Common Data Set (2024–25). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Davidson at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does Davidson offer automatic merit scholarships?
No. Davidson awards need-based aid through The Davidson Trust and a few highly selective merit scholarships. There are no automatic or GPA-based awards.
What is The Davidson Trust?
It’s the college’s no-loan financial aid program. Davidson meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted U.S. students with grants, scholarships, and campus employment—no student loans required.
What are the top merit awards?
The John Montgomery Belk Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance plus enrichment funding, while the James B. Duke Scholarship covers full tuition plus a stipend. Both are limited to exceptional applicants.
How do you apply for the Belk Scholarship?
Students must be nominated by their high school (by November 1) and then invited to campus for interviews. Most nominees rank in the top 1–2% of their class.
Does Davidson superscore test results?
Yes. Davidson superscores ACT and SAT results for those who choose to submit them, but testing is optional.
When should students apply?
Early Decision I: Nov 15 • Early Decision II: Jan 5 • Regular Decision: Jan 12. Students seeking merit or The Davidson Trust aid should also complete the CSS Profile and FAFSA by their admission & aid deadline.
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/cost-attendance
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198385-Davidson-College=
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-financial-aid/scholarships/nomination-scholarships/john-m-belk-scholarship/nomination-and-selection-process
https://admission.davidson.edu/belknomination/
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/admission-aid-timeline
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/admission-process-help/testing-policy
https://www.davidson.edu/news/2022/04/11/davidson-college-goes-permanently-test-optional
https://www.davidson.edu/offices-and-services/institutional-effectiveness/common-data-set
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/apply
https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/admission-process-help/frequently-asked-questions
💰 Cost of Attendance at Davidson College
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (includes required fees + first-year orientation) | $69,315 | $69,315 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + All Access meal plan) | $17,800 | $17,800 |
| Total (billed by the college) | $87,115 | $87,115 |
Other estimated costs like books/supplies (~$825), transportation (~$200–$600), and personal expenses (~$1,400) are not included in the table because they are not paid directly to the college.
Average Net Price: $18,127 (most recent College Scorecard). This is what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants were applied — no loans included.
No state reciprocity (private college). Instead, Davidson’s The Davidson Trust meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans.
Required forms for need-based aid: FAFSA and the CSS Profile (for institutional aid). Submit by the financial aid deadlines that match your admission plan.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for the no-loan promise?
All admitted students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
How much do families really pay?
On average, families paid about $18,127 after grants/scholarships. Your number depends on income, assets, and special circumstances.
Do I need to apply for aid separately?
Yes. File the FAFSA and CSS Profile on time to receive full consideration under The Davidson Trust.
University COA page — https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/cost-attendance
Housing Rates (2025–2026) — https://www.davidson.edu/offices-and-services/residence-life/housing-rates
Meal Plans (2025–2026) — https://www.davidson.edu/offices-and-services/dining-services/meal-plans
Tuition per semester (2025–2026) — https://www.davidson.edu/admission-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-financial-aid/study-abroad-and-away
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198385-Davidson-College=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Davidson College does not offer any automatic merit scholarships based on GPA or standardized test scores. All merit scholarships at Davidson require an additional application or nomination, are highly selective, and are awarded through a competitive process. For most families, need-based aid through The Davidson Trust is the main form of support.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davidson does not offer any automatic, GPA- or test-based merit scholarships. All major awards are competitive and require separate application or nomination. | ||||||
Note: Davidson participates in the QuestBridge National College Match as a partner school. This is a separate, highly competitive process for high-achieving students with financial need.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Does Davidson award scholarships automatically based on GPA or test scores?
No. All merit scholarships are competitive and limited. Most admitted students receive only need-based aid through The Davidson Trust.
Do I need to submit test scores to be considered?
Davidson is test-optional. Submitting strong SAT/ACT scores can strengthen a competitive scholarship application, but scores are not required for admission or merit consideration.
Does Davidson superscore the SAT/ACT?
Yes. Davidson superscores both the SAT and ACT, taking your highest section scores across test dates.
Can merit scholarships be combined with need-based aid?
Yes, but Davidson may adjust your need-based package to account for outside or institutional awards so that total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance.
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/nomination-scholarships
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/john-m-belk-scholarship
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/james-b-duke-scholarship
catalog.davidson.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=506
questbridge.org/partner-colleges/davidson-college
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive, limited awards)
Davidson’s flagship scholarships are competitive merit awards selected by committees through nomination, application, or review of the admission file—there is no automatic GPA/test grid. These are the college’s marquee, university-level awards (think “competitive scholarships” at other schools) and they recognize exceptional leadership, character, and academic promise.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John M. Belk Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, food) + special opportunity stipends | School/CBO nomination; exceptional leadership, service, character, and academics; all majors/geographies | Yes — nomination required | Yes (up to 8 semesters; maintain good standing) | Top 1–2% applicants with sustained impact, rigorous coursework, and outstanding recommendations* | Nov 1 (nomination), Nov 15 (application) |
| William Holt Terry Scholarship | Full cost of attendance + one-time experiential stipend | Leadership-focused; selected from the admission pool (no separate application) | No — considered via admission review | Yes (standard renewal requirements) | A/A- students with multi-year leadership (student gov, service, athletics) and strong ref letters* | Jan 12 (Regular Decision); interview in March |
| Charles Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (includes books, travel, personal) | Graduates of Chicago public/charter high schools with strong academics and financial need | Yes — nomination/application | Yes (maintain satisfactory progress) | High-achieving Chicago students with community impact and documented need | Dec 15 (nomination), Jan 13 (application) |
| Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship (Scholar-Athlete, non-revenue sports) | Significant merit award (historically ~$35,000/yr) + renewal | Exceptional scholar-athletes in non-revenue sports; nominations coordinated with Athletics | By nomination (Athletics/Admissions) | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | A-/A students with notable athletic achievement and coach endorsement* | Rolling, aligns with admissions deadlines |
| James B. Duke Scholarship | Full tuition & fees + experiential stipend | Intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community impact; all majors | Yes — scholarship application in portal (after submitting admission app) | Yes (good academic standing) | A/A- students with standout essays/projects and clear capacity for contribution* | By application plan: Nov 15 (ED I), Jan 6 (ED II), Jan 12 (RD) |
* Estimated academic bands are based on past recipient profiles and published selectivity; Davidson is test-optional and awards are holistic.
Davidson is a partner school with the QuestBridge National College Match (separate, highly selective process for high-achieving students with financial need).
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships FAQ
Are these awards automatic?
No. They are competitive scholarships with limited slots. Some require school/CBO nomination or a separate application; others are selected from the admission file.
Can I be considered if I apply test-optional?
Yes. Davidson is test-optional. Strong coursework, leadership, essays, and recommendations matter most. Submitting high scores can help but is not required.
Do these stack with need-based aid?
Often yes, but your need-based package may be adjusted so total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance. Read each award’s stacking language carefully.
Key timelines?
Belk nominations typically due Nov 1 (candidate materials Nov 15); Charles nominations generally due mid-December; Bryan nominations coordinated early in the cycle (often fall). Duke and other application awards follow the scholarship portal deadlines after you submit your admission application.
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/nomination-scholarships
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/john-m-belk-scholarship
www.davidson.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/james-b-duke-scholarship
catalog.davidson.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=506
questbridge.org/partner-colleges/davidson-college
🎖️ Honors College
Davidson doesn’t have a centralized Honors College. Instead, students pursue departmental honors inside their major—small seminars, a faculty-mentored thesis or capstone, and an oral defense. It’s built for undergrads who want depth, mentorship, and a polished research or creative portfolio.
What a Typical Davidson Honors Student Looks Like
- GPA: ~3.2 overall and ~3.5 in-major (department minimums vary)
- Rigor: Upper-level seminars, methods courses, and sustained work with a faculty mentor
- Project: Yearlong thesis or creative work with written/oral defense
- Signals: Strong time management, curiosity, and evidence of independent research or creation
Why Honors Matters at Davidson
- Mentorship: 1:1 guidance from faculty on a capstone or thesis
- Small classes: Discussion-driven seminars inside the major
- Showcase: Written thesis, recital, exhibition, or applied project—excellent for grad school or fellowships
- Funding pathways: Many students pair honors work with research or international grants (e.g., DRI, Dean Rusk)
| Honors Scholarship (College-Level) | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | Davidson does not list centralized college-wide honors scholarships | — | — | Departmental honors and funding exist within majors (apply after matriculation) |
Honors FAQ
Is honors admission automatic?
No. Students typically apply within the major (usually junior year) after meeting GPA and course prerequisites set by that department.
Does doing honors add time to my degree?
Not if you plan ahead. The thesis/recital is integrated into your major’s upper-level work and completed within eight semesters.
Are there extra dollars for honors?
There is no centralized “Honors College” scholarship, but many students secure research or travel funding (e.g., DRI, Dean Rusk) connected to their honors projects.
What are the deadlines?
Deadlines vary by department. Expect applications or proposals late sophomore to junior year; confirm timing with your major’s department page once declared.
www.davidson.edu/academics/honors
www.davidson.edu/academics/honors-and-scholars-programs
www.davidson.edu/academics/academic-departments-programs
www.davidson.edu/academics/research/davidson-research-initiative
www.davidson.edu/academics/dean-rusk-international-studies-program/grants
⭐ College Specialty
Davidson may be small, but its reputation is mighty. Known nationally for rigorous academics, close student–faculty mentoring, and a commitment to leadership and service, Davidson consistently lands among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. Parents often hear about it because of its flagship Belk and Terry scholarships, but the real draw is how well Davidson prepares students for graduate school, public service, and competitive fellowships.
Signature Strength: Political Science & Public Service — Davidson is widely recognized for producing leaders in government, law, and public policy, with alumni holding prominent roles from Congress to the judiciary. The program is consistently noted in national liberal arts rankings.
- Pre-Med & Sciences: Davidson has one of the highest medical school acceptance rates among liberal arts colleges (often cited around 70–80% annually; check Davidson’s Health Professions Advising office for updates).
- Economics: Frequently ranked as a top major at Davidson, providing pathways into finance, consulting, and graduate economics programs; tied to strong alumni networks.
- Athletics (esp. Basketball): Known nationwide as the alma mater of NBA star Stephen Curry; Division I athletics provide national visibility while maintaining rigorous academics.
- Humanities & Global Studies: The Dean Rusk International Studies program is nationally respected for funding student travel, language study, and research abroad opportunities each year.
Note: Davidson College is a private liberal arts college and is not classified as an R1 research university. Its strengths lie in undergraduate teaching, national fellowships, and global study opportunities.
📎 Official Links
- Davidson College — Homepage
- Financial Aid — Overview & How to Apply
- Scholarships — Official Listings
- Departmental & Graduation Honors — Catalog Policy