Rollins College vs Davidson College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences in location and campus environment between Rollins College and Davidson College?

  Rollins College is located in Winter Park, Florida, a vibrant city near Orlando, offering a more urban and warmer climate. The campus is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture and lakeside setting. Davidson College, on the other hand, is situated in Davidson, North Carolina, a smaller, more traditional college town near Charlotte. Davidson offers a more classic, historic campus with a focus on a close-knit community and a four-season climate.

• How do Rollins College and Davidson College compare in terms of academic focus and strengths?

  Rollins College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong focus on experiential learning, global perspectives, and social responsibility. It's particularly known for its business programs (Crummer Graduate School of Business) and its commitment to personalized attention. Davidson College is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, strong emphasis on ethical leadership, and commitment to undergraduate education. It consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation.

• What is the typical student body size and student-faculty ratio at Rollins College versus Davidson College?

  Rollins College has a slightly larger undergraduate student body compared to Davidson College. Rollins typically has around 3,000 undergraduate students, while Davidson has approximately 2,000. Both colleges boast low student-faculty ratios, fostering close interaction between students and professors. Rollins has a student-faculty ratio of around 11:1, while Davidson's is even lower, around 9:1.

• How do the costs of attending Rollins College and Davidson College compare, and what financial aid opportunities are available?

  Both Rollins College and Davidson College are private institutions with comparable tuition costs. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like room and board and personal expenses. Both colleges offer a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and student loans. Davidson College is known for meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

• What are the key differences in campus culture and student life at Rollins College and Davidson College?

  Rollins College, with its location near Orlando, offers a more diverse range of social and extracurricular activities, including access to theme parks, entertainment venues, and a vibrant nightlife. The campus culture is known for being welcoming and inclusive. Davidson College fosters a strong sense of community and tradition, with a focus on student involvement in campus organizations, athletics, and service activities. The Honor Code is a central aspect of Davidson's campus culture.

• How do Rollins College and Davidson College approach athletics?

  Both Rollins College and Davidson College offer a variety of NCAA Division II (Rollins) and Division I (Davidson) athletic programs. Rollins competes in the Sunshine State Conference, while Davidson is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Davidson is particularly known for its strong basketball program. Both colleges emphasize the importance of athletics as part of a well-rounded education.

• What career services and alumni networks are available to students at Rollins College and Davidson College?

  Both Rollins College and Davidson College provide comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career exploration. Rollins benefits from its location near Orlando, offering internship opportunities in various industries. Davidson's strong alumni network and reputation open doors to opportunities across the country and around the world. Both colleges have active alumni networks that provide mentorship and support to current students and graduates.

• What are some unique programs or opportunities offered at Rollins College that are not available at Davidson College, and vice versa?

  Rollins College offers unique programs such as the 3/2 Accelerated Management Program (AMP) with the Crummer Graduate School of Business, allowing students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in five years. Davidson College is known for its Venture Program, which provides students with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation. Davidson also has a strong focus on international study and research opportunities.

• How do the surrounding communities of Winter Park (Rollins) and Davidson (Davidson) impact the student experience?

  Winter Park offers Rollins students access to a vibrant city with diverse cultural attractions, dining options, and internship opportunities. The proximity to Orlando provides additional entertainment and career prospects. Davidson, being a smaller college town, offers a more intimate and focused college experience. The town is centered around the college, creating a strong sense of community and a safe, supportive environment.

• What type of student is likely to thrive at Rollins College versus Davidson College?

  A student who thrives at Rollins College is typically someone who enjoys a vibrant, urban environment, values experiential learning, and seeks a diverse range of social and extracurricular activities. A student who thrives at Davidson College is often someone who prefers a close-knit community, a rigorous academic environment, and a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and service.