Davidson College vs Franklin and Marshall College (FandM)

Davidson College and Franklin and Marshall College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Davidson, nestled in North Carolina, boasts a lower acceptance rate (22%) compared to Franklin and Marshall's (34%) in Pennsylvania. While Davidson's student body is slightly larger, both colleges share a vibrant residential campus experience. Explore their diverse academic offerings, with Davidson excelling in natural sciences and Franklin and Marshall in social sciences. Discover the unique strengths of each college, from Davidson's emphasis on experiential learning to Franklin and Marshall's commitment to interdisciplinary studies. Compare their graduation rates, financial aid packages, and notable alumni to make an informed decision about which college aligns best with your aspirations.

	Davidson College	Franklin and Marshall College
Overview
Location	Davidson, North Carolina	Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
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%	37.5%
Application fees	$50	$60
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	6,434	7,720
Total number of admissions given out	1,145	2,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	547	510
Yield rate	47.8%	17.6%
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	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$73,200	$80,618
Average net price	$25,794	$26,316
Tuition	$54,460	$63,216
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,700 Meal plan: $7,525	Room/dormitory: $8,722 Meal plan: $6,018
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $47,889	62.0% Average amount $50,026
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $5,095	53.0% Average amount $4,947
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $33,219	7.0% Average amount $16,505

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,973 Men 47.2% Women 52.8%	2,145 Men 44.2% Women 55.8%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.8%	N/A
International students	8.2%	18.2%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,830	2,272
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
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	Social Sciences Physical Science Ethnic Studies Multidisciplinary Studies Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	89.6%	82.8%
Dropout rate	10.0%	2.0%
Transferred out	N/A	13.8%
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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,518 Year 2: $52,733 Year 3: $67,095 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,376 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $59,284 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $45,852 Year 3: $53,518 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,220 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $50,175 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,598 Year 2: $41,441 Year 3: $49,088 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,421 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $48,325 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $44,196 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,487 Year 2: $33,459 Year 3: $42,722 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: N/A English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Davidson College and Franklin & Marshall College?

Davidson College is known for its strong emphasis on a liberal arts education with a focus on student-faculty interaction and a rigorous honor code. Franklin & Marshall College also offers a strong liberal arts curriculum, but it may offer more flexibility in terms of interdisciplinary studies and a slightly broader range of majors. Davidson is particularly strong in pre-med and pre-law, while F&M has notable programs in government, public policy, and business.
How do the campus cultures of Davidson and Franklin & Marshall compare?

Davidson College fosters a close-knit, highly engaged community with a strong emphasis on tradition and student self-governance. The honor code significantly shapes the campus culture. Franklin & Marshall has a more diverse and perhaps slightly less traditional campus culture, with a focus on social activism and a more relaxed atmosphere. Both schools have active student life, but the specific character of that life differs.
What is the cost of attendance at Davidson College versus Franklin & Marshall College?

Both Davidson and Franklin & Marshall are highly selective institutions with similar tuition costs. However, financial aid packages can vary. It's recommended to check the net price calculators on each college's website to get a personalized estimate based on your family's financial situation. Both schools are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of admitted students.
What are the strengths of Davidson College's athletic programs compared to Franklin & Marshall's?

Davidson College is a Division I school, particularly known for its basketball program, which has a history of success. Franklin & Marshall is a Division III school, offering a wide range of competitive sports with a focus on the student-athlete experience. While Davidson's athletics are more high-profile, F&M provides a strong athletic experience within a less demanding environment.
How does the location of Davidson College and Franklin & Marshall College impact the student experience?

Davidson College is located in a suburban setting near Charlotte, North Carolina, offering access to a major city while maintaining a close-knit campus environment. Franklin & Marshall is situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a city with a rich history and a more urban feel than Davidson's location. Both locations provide opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and access to major metropolitan areas.
What are the typical class sizes at Davidson and Franklin & Marshall?

Both Davidson and Franklin & Marshall prioritize small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. You can expect to find a highly personalized learning environment at both institutions, with opportunities for close interaction with professors. The average class size at both schools is typically under 20 students.
How do the alumni networks of Davidson and Franklin & Marshall differ?

Both Davidson and Franklin & Marshall have active and supportive alumni networks. Davidson's network is known for its strong loyalty and engagement, often providing significant support for career development and networking. Franklin & Marshall's alumni network is also robust, with a focus on supporting students in various fields, particularly in government, business, and the arts.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of Davidson and Franklin & Marshall?

Both Davidson and Franklin & Marshall are highly selective colleges. Admission requirements include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and a compelling application essay. Both schools look for well-rounded students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Davidson and Franklin & Marshall?

Both colleges offer robust career services and internship programs. Davidson's career services are known for their personalized approach and strong connections to alumni networks. Franklin & Marshall provides extensive career counseling, internship placement assistance, and networking opportunities, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Both schools actively support students in finding internships and preparing for their future careers.
Which college is better for a student interested in pre-med or pre-law?

Davidson College has a particularly strong reputation for preparing students for medical school, with a high acceptance rate. Franklin & Marshall also has pre-med and pre-law advising, but Davidson's programs may be slightly more established. Both schools offer excellent preparation for these fields, so the best choice depends on the student's individual preferences and fit with the campus culture.

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