Davidson College Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you love the small-college feel but worry about private-school prices, Davidson is worth a hard look. They meet full demonstrated need without loans, and the Belk/Terry scholarships can bring costs down to true “full ride” levels for top applicants. Use this guide alongside our North Carolina state aid page and the CRP College Scholarships Hub to map out a realistic plan.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Davidson College
| Category | Cost (First-Year, All Students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $68,450 |
| Required Fees | $615 |
| Orientation Fee (first-year only) | $250 |
| Housing (standard) | $8,700 |
| Food (meal plan) | $9,100 |
| Total Billed Costs | $87,115 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies & Equipment | $825 |
| Transportation | $200–$600 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,400 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (before aid) | $89,540–$89,940 |
Pricing is a flat comprehensive tuition (no per-credit band).
Average Net Price: $26,510 (2022–2023). 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 $26,500 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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Davidson does not publish GPA/test-based automatic scholarships. Instead, the college awards a small number of highly selective merit scholarships through nomination, competition, or application. 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Grid | N/A | Davidson does not offer GPA/test-score based automatic awards | — | — | No auto-awards; merit is competitive only |
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.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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; typical deadlines: Nov 1 (nomination), Nov 15 (candidate) | Yes (up to 8 semesters; maintain good standing) | Top 1–2% applicants with sustained impact, rigorous coursework, and outstanding recommendations* |
| 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* |
| 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; typical deadline: Dec 15 | Yes (maintain satisfactory progress) | High-achieving Chicago students with community impact and documented need |
| 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* |
| 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* |
* 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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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.
📎 Official Links
- Davidson College — Homepage
- Financial Aid — Overview & How to Apply
- Scholarships — Official Listings
- Departmental & Graduation Honors — Catalog Policy
Final Thoughts
Davidson College combines the intimacy of a liberal arts education with serious financial support, from the loan-free Davidson Trust to nationally competitive flagship scholarships like the Belk and Terry. For families, that means your student can focus on thriving academically and personally without being buried in debt. Whether they’re chasing research funding, community service programs, or study abroad grants, Davidson students have multiple pathways to keep costs manageable and opportunities wide open.
✅ Last updated: September 26, 2025