Davidson College Offers Clearer Pricing Structure

Image courtesy of Davidson College

Davidson College is making it easier for prospective students to understand what they will pay to attend, replacing a complex financial aid process with a simplified income-based pricing model beginning with students entering in fall 2027.

Students will continue to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA and other required financial aid forms. The difference, officials said, is that families will have a much clearer understanding of what they are likely to pay before they apply.

Under the new approach, students whose families earn $85,000 or less will receive a full scholarship covering tuition, fees, housing and meals. Students from families earning between $85,000 and $175,000 will attend tuition-free. Students from families earning more than $175,000 will continue to receive financial aid that covers their demonstrated need without requiring loans.

The annual cost of attendance is $95,195, according to the school’s website.

College officials said the changes are intended to give families a clearer picture of college costs as they begin the admissions process, rather than waiting until financial aid offers are made.

The income thresholds are based on a family’s adjusted gross income and assume families have assets that are typical for their income level. Students in the $85,000 to $175,000 income range may also qualify for additional financial aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition.

The simplified pricing model applies to new students entering in fall 2027 and will remain in place throughout their four years at Davidson, provided their financial circumstances remain similar. Current students will continue under the college’s existing financial aid policies, which officials said produce aid packages that are largely comparable to the new system.

Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Chris Gruber said the goal is to remove confusion from the college search process.

Davidson said it remains one of fewer than two dozen colleges nationwide that admits U.S. students without considering their ability to pay, meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and does not include loans in financial aid packages.