Davidson College vs Kenyon College

Davidson College and Kenyon College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Davidson, located in North Carolina, boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate (30%) compared to Kenyon's (28%). While Davidson's student body is more diverse, with international students comprising 12% of the population, Kenyon's student body is predominantly white (79%). Both colleges excel in academics, with Davidson's popular majors including Economics, Biology, and Political Science, while Kenyon's strengths lie in English, Biology, and Economics. Davidson's graduation rate stands at an impressive 89%, while Kenyon's is slightly lower at 86%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table below, highlighting key differences between these two exceptional institutions.

	Davidson College	Kenyon College
Overview
Location	Davidson, North Carolina	Gambier, Ohio
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	95.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	17.8%	36.5%
Application fees	$50
SAT range	N/A	1340 - 1500
ACT range	N/A	31 - 34
Students submitting SAT score		25.0%
Students submitting ACT score		28.0%
Total number of applicants	6,434	7,601
Total number of admissions given out	1,145	2,778
Admitted students who chose to enroll	547	508
Yield rate	47.8%	18.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	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	$80,270
Average net price	$25,794	$38,927
Tuition	$54,460	$63,060
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,700 Meal plan: $7,525	$13,310
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $47,889	79.0% Average amount $32,553
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $5,095	26.0% Average amount $3,119
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $33,219	13.0% Average amount $3,894

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,973 Men 47.2% Women 52.8%	1,875 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.8%	N/A
International students	8.2%	10.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,830	1,868
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	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Psychology Physical Science Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Ethnic Studies	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Visual & Performing Arts History
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.6%	86.5%
Dropout rate	10.0%	6.5%
Transferred out	N/A	6.9%
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: $50,959 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $69,651 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,994 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $32,958 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,057 Year 2: $23,456 Year 3: $28,026 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $26,739 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,055 Year 3: N/A International/Global Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,334 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: N/A Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $18,841 Year 2: $25,967 Year 3: N/A History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,181 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Davidson College and Kenyon College?

Davidson College and Kenyon College, while both excellent liberal arts colleges, differ in several key aspects. Davidson, located in North Carolina, has a slightly larger student body and a stronger emphasis on pre-professional programs, particularly in business and finance, alongside its strong liberal arts foundation. Kenyon, situated in Ohio, is known for its exceptional English and creative writing programs and a more intimate, residential campus experience. Davidson's Honor Code is a central part of its culture, while Kenyon emphasizes a strong sense of community fostered through its residential life and traditions. Geographically, Davidson offers a warmer climate and proximity to Charlotte, a major city, while Kenyon provides a more secluded, rural setting.
How do Davidson and Kenyon compare in terms of academic strengths?

Both Davidson and Kenyon offer rigorous academic programs across the liberal arts. Davidson is particularly strong in economics, political science, and biology, and it has a well-regarded pre-med program. Kenyon is renowned for its English department, especially creative writing, and also excels in history, drama, and art history. While both colleges offer a broad range of majors, students interested in pre-professional tracks might find Davidson's offerings more tailored to those fields, while those passionate about literature and the arts might gravitate towards Kenyon.
What is the campus environment like at Davidson versus Kenyon?

Davidson's campus is located in a suburban setting in Davidson, North Carolina, offering a blend of small-town charm and access to the nearby city of Charlotte. The campus culture is known for its strong Honor Code and a focus on leadership development. Kenyon's campus, located in Gambier, Ohio, is more isolated and rural, creating a close-knit, immersive residential experience. Kenyon emphasizes a strong sense of community through its residential halls and traditions, fostering a more insular and perhaps more artistically focused environment.
How do the student bodies at Davidson and Kenyon differ?

Davidson's student body is slightly larger and draws students from a wider geographic area, including a significant number from the Southeast. It also has a higher percentage of students interested in pre-professional fields. Kenyon's student body is smaller and tends to attract students with a strong interest in the humanities and arts. Both colleges are highly selective and attract academically gifted students, but their interests and career aspirations may differ slightly.
What are the costs of attending Davidson and Kenyon, and what financial aid opportunities are available?

The cost of attendance at both Davidson and Kenyon is comparable, including tuition, room, and board. Both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites to use their net price calculators and determine your estimated family contribution. Both colleges are committed to making education accessible to talented students regardless of their financial background.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Davidson and Kenyon?

Both Davidson and Kenyon offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Davidson's proximity to Charlotte provides opportunities for internships in finance, business, and technology. Kenyon's strong alumni network in the arts, media, and non-profit sectors can be valuable for students pursuing careers in those fields. Both colleges have active alumni networks that provide mentorship and networking opportunities for current students and graduates.
How do Davidson and Kenyon compare in terms of diversity and inclusion?

Both Davidson and Kenyon are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive campus communities. They have various initiatives and programs aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. While specific demographics may vary slightly, both colleges are actively working to create environments where all students feel welcome and supported. It's recommended to review their respective websites for detailed information on their diversity and inclusion efforts.
What are the athletic programs like at Davidson and Kenyon?

Davidson College competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Atlantic 10 Conference. They are particularly known for their basketball program. Kenyon College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, primarily in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Kenyon has a strong swimming and diving program. If you are a serious athlete looking to compete at a high level, Davidson's Division I program might be a better fit. If you prefer a more balanced approach to academics and athletics, Kenyon's Division III program could be a good choice.
What are some unique traditions or aspects of campus life at Davidson and Kenyon?

Davidson is known for its strong Honor Code, which governs all aspects of student life and fosters a culture of trust and integrity. Other traditions include the annual Cake Race and the wearing of academic robes for certain events. Kenyon is known for its residential college system, where students live in close-knit communities within their dorms. Traditions include the Matriculation ceremony, the lighting of the campus at Christmas, and the annual Lord Kenyon's Ball. These traditions contribute to the unique character and sense of community at each college.
Which college is a better fit for me: Davidson or Kenyon?

The best college for you depends on your individual interests, academic goals, and preferred campus environment. If you are interested in pre-professional programs, a strong Honor Code, and a slightly larger student body with access to a nearby city, Davidson might be a good fit. If you are passionate about the humanities, especially English and creative writing, and prefer a smaller, more intimate, and artistically focused campus in a rural setting, Kenyon might be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and talking to current students is highly recommended to help you make an informed decision.

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