Head-to-head comparison
Davidson College vs. Hamilton College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Davidson or Hamilton harder to get into?
Davidson is harder to get into than Hamilton. Davidson's 13.4% acceptance rate is lower than Hamilton's 13.6%.
Which is cheaper, Davidson or Hamilton?
Davidson costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Davidson's average net price is $17,379 vs $28,985 at Hamilton.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Davidson graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $81,400 at Davidson and $78,411 at Hamilton.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Davidson | Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 13.4% | 13.6% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1400–1530 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT mid-50% | 31–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $79,475 | $84,230 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $17,379 | $28,985 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,867 | 2,030 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 91.1% | 90.6% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $81,400 | $78,411 |
| Setting | Davidson, North Carolina | Clinton, New York |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Selectivity is essentially the same. Davidson's 13.4% acceptance rate and Hamilton's 13.6% are within a percentage point of each other. For an unhooked applicant, the difference is statistical noise. Apply to whichever you genuinely prefer.
Davidson is significantly cheaper after aid. The average net price gap is $11,606 per year, $46,424 over four years. For most families that difference is the deciding factor when both schools admit you.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Davidson is in Davidson, North Carolina; Hamilton is in Clinton, New York. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Davidson is 53.0% women, 10.7% international, and 5.3% Asian-American. Hamilton is 55.6% women, 8.2% international, and 9.0% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Davidson | Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 53.0% | 55.6% |
| International | 10.7% | 8.2% |
| White | 60.4% | 62.2% |
| Asian | 5.3% | 9.0% |
| Hispanic | 11.1% | 9.7% |
| Black | 6.9% | 3.1% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Davidson vs. Hamilton?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Davidson if
- Net price matters: Davidson costs $11,606 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($81,400 vs $78,411)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- its Honor Code
Pick Hamilton if
- Your odds are realistic at Hamilton (slightly easier admit)
- its open curriculum
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Davidson College
13.4% accept · Davidson, North Carolina
Full profile
Hamilton College
13.6% accept · Clinton, New York
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.