Admission and Financial Information

Davidson is committed to its responsibility as a liberal arts college and seeks to enroll students from a variety of racial, economic, social, religious, and geographic backgrounds. Davidson seeks to enroll students who will contribute to the life of the college and who have the promise to make good use of their education after graduation. To enroll such students, every application is reviewed with care. Admission to Davidson is highly selective. Decisions are based on many factors, with evaluation in three general areas: (1) academic achievement as indicated by secondary school curriculum, grades and standardized test scores; (2) personal characteristics as evidenced in personal statements and letters of recommendation; and (3) outstanding interests, achievements, and activities, as demonstrated by participation in and contribution to school, community, or religious organizations.

Admission Requirements

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Applicants must complete secondary school graduation requirements before enrolling at Davidson. Excluding consideration for exceptional circumstances, at least 16 high school units are required, although the student accepted at Davidson usually has taken 20 units. These units should include the following: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 2 units of the same foreign language, 2 units of science, and 2 units of history/social studies. It is strongly recommended that high school students continue for the third and fourth years in science and in the same foreign language, continue mathematics through calculus, and take additional courses in history.

Candidates considering Davidson should take at least five academic subjects each year in secondary school, unless the school curriculum is structured around four. It is important that a challenging academic program be taken each year, but especially in the junior and senior years.

All applicants are required to take the SAT of the College Entrance Examination Board or the ACT of the American College Testing Program and to have an official score report sent to Davidson. Registration for either test should be completed at least five weeks before the date on which the test is scheduled. Check the College Board web site for testing dates.

It is recommended that juniors take the SAT or the ACT no later than the end of the junior year. This is especially important for those interested in applying under the Early Decision plan. Those interested in the Regular Plan must take the test no later than December of the senior year.

It is strongly recommended, but not required, that applicants submitting SAT scores also take two subject tests.  These tests should be taken no later than the December test date of the senior year. The mathematics test is particularly encouraged. Subject tests should be taken in the spring of the junior year if that subject will not be continued in the senior year. 

How to Apply

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Students should notify the Office of Admission and Financial Aid as soon as they become interested in Davidson. General information about the college will be sent at that time, followed by the preliminary application for admission.

The preliminary application should be completed and returned to the Admission Office with a $50 nonrefundable application fee. All applicants will then receive application essay questions, a transcript form, and recommendation forms. When all forms are completed and returned, and the results of the SAT or ACT are received, the applicant will be notified that the application is complete.

Davidson subscribes to The Common Application, a copy of which may be obtained from the High School Guidance Office. A student who intends to use The Common Application should call the Admission Office (1-800-768-0380) to request our Common Application Supplement or acquire forms from our web site. A Common Application to Davidson is not complete without the Supplement.

All forms required to complete an application can be found at www.davidson.edu in the Admission section. Students may submit an application by mail or online.

Application deadline dates may vary from year to year. To determine the exact application deadline, please consult either a current copy of the Application for Admission or call the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 1-800-768-0380. Current admission information may also be obtained from www.davidson.edu.

The Early Decision Plan is binding and is for applicants who are certain they want to attend Davidson. Early decision applications will be accepted, denied, or deferred into the Regular Decision Plan pool of applicants. Those candidates who are deferred will be re-evaluated during the Regular Decision selection process. To apply through the Early Decision Plan, the student should:

1.   Take the SAT or the ACT in the junior year and have the results sent to Davidson by the appropriate testing agency.

2.   Complete all application requirements by the stated deadlines.

3.   Submit the Early Decision Candidate’s Agreement, which states that Davidson is definitely his/her first choice; and that if accepted, he/she will enroll and withdraw all applications pending elsewhere.

For those applying under the Regular Decision Plan, letters informing applicants of the decision on their applications will be mailed or posted to the web site prior to April 1. Applicants who are accepted under the Regular Plan are required to make a nonrefundable enrollment deposit by May 1. 

Deferred Admission

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An admitted first-year student may, with the permission of the Dean of Admission, defer matriculation for one year without reapplying to Davidson. The student must first confirm his or her intent to enroll at Davidson by submitting the Candidate’s Reply Form and the required $300 enrollment deposit by May 1. A written request for deferral must also be submitted, preferably along with the enrollment deposit, but no later than June 1. The letter should state in detail what the student will be doing in the interim year. If the deferral request is approved, the student must return the signed deferral contract, coupled with an additional non-refundable deposit in the amount of $1200. 

Campus Visits

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While not required, a campus visit is strongly encouraged. Group and individual information sessions are conducted by an admission officer or a senior admission fellow. The format of the session may be a group setting or an individual conversation; neither is evaluative. Visitors may plan to spend a number of hours on campus attending classes (Monday through Friday), meeting students and faculty members, and taking a campus tour. A limited number of overnight accommodations are available in the Guest House on campus. For reservations call 1-704-894-2127.

The Office of Admission and Financial Aid is open all year and appointments should be made on our web site or by calling 1-704-894-2230 or 1-800-768-0380 at least two weeks before the proposed visit. The TDD Relay Service available is 1-800-735-2962. Campus tours and information sessions are scheduled daily and available on Saturdays during peak visitation periods (spring and fall). Please call the Admission Office or visit the web site to confirm the time and date. Detailed visit information is available at www.davidson.edu/visit.  

Credit Earned Prior to Entering Davidson

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First-year students may transfer a maximum of four credits from courses taken prior to entering Davidson. The maximum includes credits from AP, IB, joint enrollment, and summer school courses taken between high school graduation and college entrance.

Advanced Placement

Students who have completed college-level work in secondary school and wish to apply for placement or credit at Davidson should take the appropriate examinations offered by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Interested students whose schools do not administer the examinations should arrange to take them at another school. For further information, call the Advanced Placement Program (AP) at 1-609-771-7300 or consult the AP web page at www.collegeboard.com/ap/students/index.html. See the Registrar’s web page on the Davidson College site (www.davidson.edu) and consult the “information for new students” section of the Registrar’s web page for details.

International Baccalaureate Degree Credit

Davidson recognizes the International Baccalaureate Program Examinations for admission purposes and placement. Placement decisions are made by the Registrar in consultation with the appropriate department chair.

Davidson will normally offer one course credit to entering students for each Higher Level Examination of the International Baccalaureate Degree passed with a grade of 6 or 7, up to a maximum of four courses. See the Registrar’s web page on the Davidson College site (www.davidson.edu) for specific examinations, scores, and course equivalents.

 Joint Enrollment

Students may receive credit for a maximum of two courses taken in joint enrollment programs if the courses are equivalent courses and meet all transfer requirements and if they are not used for admission to Davidson. Transfer evaluation of college courses taken prior to graduation from high school requires:

1.   An official transcript from the college or university attended;

2.   An official letter from the college or university confirming that the courses were:

a.   taught on its campus;

b.   taught by a regular member of its faculty;

c.   taken in competition with degree candidates of that institution who constitute a majority in those courses; and

d.   a regular part of the curriculum of the institution.

3.   An official letter from the high school principal or guidance counselor confirming that the courses were not used to satisfy high school graduation requirements.

Each joint enrollment program is evaluated on an individual basis after matriculation. The responsibility for having the above documentation sent to the Registrar’s Office lies with the student. (Note:  the second item is particularly important.) 

Transferring to Davidson

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Students interested in transferring to Davidson should complete the requirements for admission listed above and submit a complete college transcript and a statement of honorable withdrawal from the college(s) previously attended.

Davidson accepts transfer credit from other colleges and universities approved by a regional accrediting agency, provided each transferred course is consistent with the academic objectives of the college and the grade earned in the transferred course is comparable to a Davidson grade of “C-” or better. Credit for one full academic year at another college or university is normally transferred to Davidson as eight courses. The Registrar determines the amount of credit that may be transferred to Davidson.

Davidson will accept a maximum of 16 transfer courses toward graduation. The maximum number of transfer courses accepted for the major is determined by the major department. 

Non-Traditional Applicants

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Non-traditional applicants such as home-schooled students or those seeking early admission to college should contact the Office of Admission prior to submitting an application. Non-traditional applicants should anticipate additional application requirements such as subject level testing in 3-5 areas (SAT) and/or an evaluative on-campus interview with the Dean of Admission and the Dean of Students. 

International Student Admission

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An increasing number of students from abroad recognize the value of a liberal arts education as a means of obtaining first-rate preparation for professional careers or graduate study. Davidson welcomes the presence of such talented international students as a vital part of the campus community. The college’s goal is to help pave the way for that highly select group of individuals who will achieve prominence in a variety of fields—medicine, business, law, technology, the arts, and education.

Prior to enrollment at Davidson, an international applicant should have completed a program of study at the secondary school level expected of a student preparing for university entrance in his or her own country. All applicants must take the SAT available through the College Entrance Examination Board. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of fluency in English through recommendations, writing samples, and successful performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), also available through the College Board. The College Board number for Davidson College is 5150. Results for the SAT and the TOEFL must be sent directly to Davidson by the testing agency.

Davidson welcomes applications from international students wishing to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree; however, the college is able to offer only limited financial assistance to students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. If a student’s personal financial situation is such that more than nominal assistance is required, he or she must be aware that competition for available funds is keen; it is advised that the student file additional applications to other colleges. International students applying for aid must submit the Foreign Financial Aid Form provided with the admission application material. 

Student Financial Assistance and Scholarships

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Early decision or regular decision admission to Davidson is offered without regard to financial circumstances except in the case of international students. In 2010-11, Davidson students will receive over $22 million in financial assistance from college sources. These funds are combined with grants and employment funds from federal, state, and other outside sources to form aid “packages” for Davidson students. Since August 2007, students’ demonstrated financial need has been funded entirely through grants and student employment through an initiative called The Davidson Trust. While most financial aid is designated for students with demonstrated financial need, Davidson sets aside significant funds for merit-based scholarships. Students receiving need-based packages are eligible for merit-based aid.

Prospective students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit completed tax documents to the College Board IDOC service. FAFSA and PROFILE forms should be completed online.

Financial Aid Policy

Davidson maintains a strong financial aid program to assist students whose families may not be able to finance the entire cost of a Davidson education. Determination of a student’s financial need begins with the assumption that the parents and student have the primary responsibility to meet education costs to the extent they are able. Once need is established, Davidson makes every effort to help families meet college expenses through a combination of federal and state programs and Davidson’s own financial aid funds.

Merit-based scholarships are offered to a small number of entering students. These awards are made without regard to financial need and are intended to recognize outstanding accomplishments and exceptional potential for future contributions to society.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

In order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in the course of study he/she is pursuing at Davidson. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress do not receive the following types of financial aid:  Federal Pell Grant; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant; Federal Work-Study; Federal Stafford Loan; Federal PLUS loan; Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant; SMART Grant; North Carolina Student Incentive Grant; North Carolina State Contractual Scholarship Fund; or Davidson College scholarships, grants or employment.

Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed annually prior to the beginning of each academic year. Because the definition of satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes parallels the definition of “good standing” as defined by the faculty, a continuing student who is deemed to be in good academic standing also will meet the standards of academic progress for financial aid. First-year students, all of whom are required to meet rigorous admission criteria, are presumed to be in good standing throughout their first year provided they carry at least a half-time course load. Satisfactory progress for these students is assessed at the end of their first year.

Need-based grant support is available for a maximum of eight semesters (pro rated for transfer students). A student may not receive Federal Title IV assistance for more than twelve semesters.

In cases where a student may be allowed to continue at Davidson even though academic standards have not been met, financial aid may be offered on a probationary basis for one semester if mitigating circumstances so warrant. If standards of progress are not met at the end of that semester, financial aid eligibility is lost until the student regains good standing.

Written notice is given to all students whose financial aid eligibility is rescinded for lack of academic progress. Students may appeal such decisions by writing the Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid. Appeals should include an explanation of why satisfactory progress was not maintained; any additional reasons why financial aid should not be withheld; and supporting documentation from the Dean of Students and/or the College Registrar.

After financial aid has been withdrawn for failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, students may re-establish eligibility by improving their grade point average and grade point totals at their own expense. Approved classes may be taken during summer sessions as well as the academic year. Students wishing to regain financial aid eligibility also must be re-admitted to the college by the Executive Committee of the Faculty and make proper application to the Financial Aid Office for reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility.

Honors, Awards, and Scholarships

A limited number of first-year students are awarded merit-based scholarships. Selection criteria are generally based on those qualities marked as key to the vitality of the Davidson experience - outstanding academic and personal skills, leadership ability, commitment to service, talent in the arts, academic life, and athletics, and promise of contribution to society - as evaluated in the application for admission by the admission staff and the Faculty Committee on Admission and Financial Aid. In the case of area or talent specific scholarships, selection may also be based on the outcome of an audition, interview, portfolio review, or writing sample. Scholarship specific application deadlines may apply. Please refer to the college Web site for details.

General Scholarship Awards

Every admitted student is considered for general scholarships. Selection is made by the Director of Merit Programs and the admission staff on the basis of the strength of the candidate’s application for admission. Scholarships can be renewed throughout the recipients’ remaining three years, provided grade point average and progress toward degree requirements are met. No separate scholarship application is required for these awards.

Special Competition Scholarships

Each admitted student is considered for the scholarships described below.  No separate scholarship application is required for these awards. Nominees are selected by the Davidson admission staff, the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, and the Director of Merit Programs.  Finalists will be required to participate in a scholarship interview. The scholarships are renewable, providing the recipients meet grade point average requirements, make standard progress toward their degrees, and are significantly involved in the life of the college community.

Thompson S. and Sarah S. Baker Scholarships: These scholarships, valued annually at the level of comprehensive fees, were established by this Class of 1926 alumnus whose prominence at Davidson foreshadowed his later civic and business leadership, and by his wife. They are offered to first-year students whose accomplishments, purposefulness, service, and maturity mark them as capable of the highest achievement.

Missy and John Kuykendall Scholarships: Three awards are offered annually in each first-year class. Established by the college family in honor of Davidson’s fifteenth president, John Kuykendall and his wife Missy, the Kuykendall Scholarships are for students who, through their habits of mind, leadership, and character, offer the potential to provide the college community the kind of servant leadership that characterized the thirteen-year presidency (1984–1997) of John Kuykendall, Davidson Class of 1959. Scholars are chosen for their personal character, academic accomplishments, generosity, thoughtful leadership, humane interests, and sense of kindness. The scholarships are valued at $10,000 each.

Amos Norris Scholarship: This full cost award was created by Robert Norris, Davidson Class of 1972, in honor of his father, Amos Norris. The award is offered to an outstanding first-year student athlete with integrity, a strong work ethic, and excellent leadership qualities. Nominees are identified by the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and the Director of Athletics. (Not awarded every year.)

Snider Scholarship: Two awards are offered annually to students with significant personal, community, and academic accomplishment; and are valued annually at the level of the college’s comprehensive fees. 

William Holt Terry Scholarships: These two full-tuition awards, created to honor Dean Terry (Davidson Class of 1954 and Dean of Students for 23 years), are offered annually to first-year students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and personal qualities through student government, athletics, service, or other activities.

Special Nomination Scholarships

This highly competitive category of scholarships is for those applicants who have been nominated for consideration either by their schools or by members of the admission staff (who make recommendations based on the strength of the student’s application for admission).

John Montgomery Belk Scholarships: These scholarships were established by John Montgomery Belk, a member of the Class of 1943, whose career has been marked by extraordinary leadership and service in business, civic affairs, and the church. They are for students whose leadership in academics, student government, athletics, or service distinguishes them as capable of the highest achievement; and are valued annually at the level of the college’s comprehensive fees. Scholars also receive two summer stipends of $3000 each.

Lowell L. Bryan Scholarships: Two $30,000 scholarships are offered to first-year students who have the capacity and ability to contribute in a superlative manner to their sport and to the academic and co-curricular life at Davidson. The scholarships were established by Lowell L. Bryan, Class of 1968.

The Charles Scholarship: These scholarships, funded by the Niamogue Foundation, are offered to first-year students from Chicago Public High Schools. Recipients are chosen on the basis of strong records of academic and personal accomplishment, and established financial need. Preference is given to students of color, particularly Hispanic and Latino students. The award is valued at the full cost of attendance.

Special Application Scholarships

These scholarships are defined with specific reference to particular areas of study or talent and require a separate application for consideration. Detailed information is available in the merit scholarship section of the college’s Web site and is included in both the Davidson admission application and Davidson’s Common Application Supplement.

Special application scholarships can be renewed for the recipients’ remaining three years at the college, provided grade point average and progress toward degree requirements are met. Any additional renewal requirements are listed in the scholarships’ descriptions.

Rupert T. Barber Scholarship: One $2000 award will go to a student who demonstrates exceptional talent and passion for theatre upon entering Davidson. The award is renewable for four years of study at Davidson, based on grade point requirements and active involvement in the theatre program throughout all four years of attendance. This scholarship is not awarded every year.

Patricia Cornwell Scholarships in Writing: This $20,000 award was established by Patricia Cornwell, award-winning novelist and member of the Class of 1979. Offered to a first-year students, the Cornwell Scholarship recognizes exceptional ability and promise in writing. Cornwell Scholars may be creative writers of poetry or fiction, drama or film; writers who combine creativity with a knowledge of science or technology; journalists; or other writers who demonstrate extraordinary talent. Cornwell Scholars are expected to be actively involved in the writing community.

Julius Dobson Neely and Joseph Dobson Scholarship: This $10,000 award is offered to one student in each first-year class who expresses an interest in Latin as a major field of study and who has shown significant experience and success in the field.

Wachovia Teaching Scholarship: This $10,000 award is offered annually to an exceptional first-year student interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

Music Performance Scholarships: The music department offers four $8,000 scholarships, which are provided through the Donald B. Plott, J. Estes Millner, and James C. Harper endowments. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of auditions which are held on Scholars Weekend in April. The scholarships are renewable subject to annual evaluation. In addition, music majors are eligible to apply for grants to study away from campus.

Pepper Visual Arts Scholarship: One $10,000 award is given each year to a first-year student. The recipient is also guaranteed a private studio in the sophomore year. Selection is based upon the Art Department’s review of slides and/or photographs in the applicant’s portfolio. The scholarship is renewable on the basis of satisfactory academic progress and active involvement in studio art. The recipient must declare a major in art (studio or history) to retain the award for the junior and senior year.

W. Olin Puckett Scholarship: One $15,000 award is offered in each first-year class to a student leader with academic distinction who is preparing for a career in medicine or in the sciences.

Williams Challenge Scholarship: One $10,000 scholarship is available annually to a first-year student as a challenge to consider the ministry or other church-related vocations. An additional $1,000 annually helps support an internship or conference attendance.

National Merit Scholarships

Three awards are offered annually to first-year students selected from among those who have been identified as National Merit finalists and who have designated Davidson as their first choice college. In compliance with National Merit directives, the size of the award is linked to established financial need: the minimum award is $500; the maximum award is $2,000.

International Scholarships

A limited number of students who are nationals of countries other than the United States receive financial assistance each year. These funds vary in amount and are based on a combination of need and merit. The International Student Financial Aid Application of the College Scholarship Service should be submitted to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid along with Davidson’s application for admission.

Children of Presbyterian Ministers

Davidson College, in recognition of its long and significant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), ensures that all Davidson students who are children of ordained Presbyterian (U.S.A.) ministers will receive at least $1,000 in renewable, annual grants from Davidson. Students not receiving this amount through other merit-based or need-based grants are funded through the John Richards Hay and Sara Craig Hay Scholarship Program.

The Julian and Robert Lake Scholarship is a $15,000 merit-based scholarship awarded to a member of each first-year class who is the child of a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Selection is made by the Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and the Director of Merit Programs based upon the student’s application for admission.

Outside Resources

In addition to awards controlled by the college, students at Davidson receive funds from a variety of external sources, including the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and many others. Information about locating and applying for such assistance may be obtained from high school counselors or the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Army ROTC Scholarships: Awarded on merit, not need, to both men and women. Army scholarships pay full tuition and mandatory fees, a $600 book stipend each semester, and a tax-free personal expense allowance of $250 to $500 a month during the school year, depending on the cadet’s academic year. Four-year scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors for the following academic year with an application deadline of January. Other types of scholarships may be available to enrolled Davidson students. Interested students may obtain an application and further information by contacting the Davidson College Department of Military Studies (Army ROTC).

Davidson students also have access to financial aid provided by Air Force ROTC, by participating in the program at UNC-Charlotte. Registration in this program is possible following the Charlotte Area Educational Consortium (CAEC) cross-registration procedures.

Federal and State Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grants: Pell Grants provided by the federal government are a form of gift aid based on a federal need-analysis formula. They range in value up to $5,550 for 2010–11. Information is available in high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices, and from the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: These federal grants of up to $4,000 per year are available to students who demonstrate high financial need according to Davidson’s analysis of the FAFSA and the PROFILE.

North Carolina Legislative Tuition Grants: The State Legislature of North Carolina provides a tuition reduction grant each academic year to all full-time undergraduate students who are legal residents of North Carolina attending private institutions in the state. In 2009-10 this grant was $1,821.

North Carolina State Contractual Scholarship Fund: These grants of up to $4,500 per year are available to residents of North Carolina who demonstrate financial need according to Davidson’s analysis of the FAFSA and the PROFILE.

North Carolina Student Incentive Grants: Grants from this program are made by the State of North Carolina to residents who demonstrate high financial need according to the State’s analysis of the FAFSA.

Other State Programs: Students who do not live in North Carolina should ask their guidance counselors about possible funding from their own states.

Student Loans

Federal Stafford Loans: Through this federal program, participating banks and other lenders make loans of up to $5,500 for the first year of an undergraduate program, $6,500 for the second year, and $7,500 per year for the third and fourth years of undergraduate study. Additional information is available from Davidson’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Federal PLUS Loans: Through this federally guaranteed loan program, parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid. The variable interest rate is adjusted annually. Monthly repayment typically begins within 60 days of disbursement. Applications and more information are available in Davidson’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Other Loan Programs: Students may wish to pursue loans through alternative loan sources. Information about these loan programs is available from the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Employment

Approximately 400 Davidson students have on-campus jobs awarded as part of the need-based financial aid package. Assignment to a specific job is made by the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. Entering students usually are able to work ten to twelve hours a week without handicap to their academic work. Funding is available through the Federal Work-Study Program and from Davidson College. A portion of federal work-study funds is earmarked for students employed in community service activities. Campus work opportunities for students who may not have financial aid eligibility are available in several departments. Off-campus employment opportunities may be explored through various college publications.

Student employees are paid monthly by direct deposit on the 15th of the month following the pay period. 

Tuition and Fees

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During the summer preceding the academic year, each student receives a complete bill, via their Davidson email account, for tuition and fees. Scholarship and grant awards from Davidson and federal and state sources are noted on college bills. Outside awards and campus jobs are not shown as credits. The ebill will list the following accepted forms of payment:  check by mail, debit/credit card (2.75% processing fee applicable) or echeck (no fee).

The fees for the 2010 - 2011 academic year are as follows:

Fees are payable in two installments (August 13 and December 17).  An orientation fee for new students ($150 for first-year students and transfers) is included in the fall semester billing. Other fees may also be required. See “Additional fees.”

A student who is unable to pay fees in full by the installment due date must contact the Business Services Office prior to that date. No student will be allowed to return for any semester if his/her account is not paid in full or if arrangements to use the college approved payment plan have not been made prior to the due date. There is a $25 penalty charge for late payment. Interest charges at 18 percent per annum are also assessed on late payments.

In order to graduate and receive a diploma, all financial obligations to Davidson must be paid in full. Furthermore, no official transcripts will be released until a student has met all financial obligations to the college.

Students who enter at the beginning of the spring semester will be billed one-half of the required student charges, room, and meal fees listed above.

After the tenth day of classes, no refunds on tuition or room rent will be made. Fees paid in advance for subsequent semesters for which a student does not register will be refunded in full, subject to the notification deadlines specified in the “Academic and Personal Leave” policy that follows. Fees for meals are refunded on a pro rata basis determined by the week of withdrawal.  The college offers tuition-refund insurance through AWG Dewar, Inc.  Detailed information may be obtained by calling 617-774-1444 or online at:  www.collegerefund.com.

The usual fees include:

1.  Room: Rent is $5,463 for double occupancy. Singles and suites cost $6,600. Martin Court Apartments and Houses are $6,832. All students are required to live on campus for their entire college career unless officially excused by the Director of Residence Life.

2.  Meals: A full board plan based on 19 meals per week is required for all first-year students during the fall semester. The second semester, first-year students may choose from the 19-meal plan or an identically priced 16-meal plan. The 16-meal plan provides additional food points (Bonus Bucks) to be used in any of the campus food locations (Commons, Union Café, Wildcat Den, and vending machines). Upper-class students may choose from a variety of meal plan options each semester. The college does not provide meals during semester or holiday recess periods. Meal plans may be changed without penalty during the first week of classes. After that time, a student incurs a 15 percent charge when changing to a lower meal plan or canceling a meal plan altogether.

3.  Medical Care: Outpatient services provided at the Student Health Center are free-of-charge with the exception of laboratory tests, medical supplies and certain medications. The college contracts with a nearby medical group for provision of part-time medical services at the Student Health Facility. Male and female physicians rotate scheduled appointments during “sick call” on weekday afternoons. They also provide after-hours emergency consultation to our nurses. The college’s professional staff of registered nurses (RNs) are on duty at the Student Health Facility on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Overnights and weekends, an on-call nurse is accessible to students by pager (704-337-7047) to assess the need for immediate face-to-face evaluation, regular sick call assessment, or referral to a local hospital emergency room. Outpatient services provided at the Student Health Facility are free of charge with the exception of laboratory tests, medical supplies, and medications costing more than $10. Students are also financially responsible for any additional medical services, such as X-rays, performed at other medical facilities. When observational or recuperative needs of an ill student render residence hall housing inadequate, the Student Health Facility has the capacity to accommodate overnight/weekend inpatient (“infirmary”) students. For this, there is a comprehensive charge of $25 per day, which covers meals, routine medications, bandages, and other supplies. All Student Health Facility charges are billed directly to the student’s college account.

4.  Laundry: The college laundry furnishes bed linens to students and provides wash, dry, and fold services of everyday laundry. Washing and pressing of shirts and blouses is included in this service. Students who fail to return their bed linens directly to the front counter at year’s end will be charged replacement cost. Dry cleaning, pressing, alterations and the laundering of large pieces (sleeping bags, blankets, quilts, etc.) are available at competitive prices.

5.  Mail: Students are provided a mail box at the Davidson College Post Office.

6.  Activity fee: The fee is for student publications, student government, and social and cultural activities.

Additional fees include:

1.  Applied music fee: The hour-per-week applied instruction for majors in the Department of Music is covered in the usual fee, but there are separate charges for additional instruction or for private lessons for those who are not music majors. Fees per semester for individual instruction in voice, piano, organ, guitar, or orchestral instruments are: one-hour lesson per week $700 and one half-hour lesson per week $375. The fee per semester for group instruction in voice, piano, and guitar is $225* (two hours per week). Charges are $40 per semester for use of practice facilities.

*Note:  lesson and class fees will not be refunded to students who drop after the second week of instruction.

2.  Student accident and sickness insurance: All students attending Davidson are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan. The $399 fee is charged to each student’s account. Students covered by comparable insurance may be exempted from the student insurance program by submitting an online waiver request form on or before August 13th.

3.  Enrollment deposit: All students are required to make a $500 deposit prior to enrollment. This deposit is maintained on account during the student’s enrollment, and is refunded, less any outstanding fees and fines, following graduation. A student must maintain the $500 enrollment deposit in order to be granted on-leave status.

4.  Study abroad administrative fee: A student studying abroad on a non-Davidson program for a semester or year is charged a non-refundable $350 administrative fee. This amount is billed to the student’s account when the completed “leave” request form is submitted to the Registrar.

5.  Transcripts: There is a fee of $3 for each transcript. An additional fee will be assessed if special (express) mailing is required.

6.  Vehicle registration: A fee of $50.00 will be charged to register each vehicle kept on campus.

7.  Miscellaneous fees: Students pay fees for late registration, late drop/add, library fines, damaged property, parking fines, lost post office keys, etc., when incurred. A penalty of $20 will be charged on all returned checks.

Academic and Personal Leave

A student who wishes to take academic or personal leave from Davidson may do so upon approval from the Registrar and Dean of Students. Guidelines are available from the Registrar. After March 15, a penalty of $250 is charged if a student receives approval for academic or personal leave beginning the following fall semester. A $500 penalty applies after June 15. In like manner, a penalty of $250 is charged if a student notifies the Registrar after November 1 that he or she does not intend to enroll for the spring semester, and a $500 penalty applies after January 1.

A student studying abroad on a non-Davidson program must pay the non-refundable $350 administrative fee. (See 4 in Additional Fees above.) A student must pay his or her account in full and maintain the $500 enrollment deposit in order to be granted on-leave status.

Withdrawal

A student is charged $250 if the student notifies the Dean of Students after March 15 that he or she plans to withdraw from the college. After June 15, the charge is $500. If during the fall semester a student notifies the Dean of Students after November 1 of his or her intention to withdraw from the college there is a $250 charge. After January 1, the charge is $500. In order to receive a refund of the $500 enrollment deposit, a student’s account balance must be paid in full. 

Refund Policy

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Davidson’s policy is to refund 100 percent of tuition or room rent if a student withdraws before the tenth day of classes. Otherwise, no refund of tuition or room rent is made. Fees for meals are refunded on a pro rata basis as determined by the date of withdrawal.

The college offers tuition-refund insurance through AWG Dewar, Inc. Detailed information may be obtained by calling 617-774-1555.

Return of Title IV Funds

In accordance with federal law, if a student who is a recipient of Title IV grant and/or loan funds (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, SMART Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loan) withdraws during a payment period, Davidson must determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned. That amount is determined by a formula established by federal law.

If a student has received less Title IV funds than the student has earned, the student may receive the additional earned funds. If the student has received more assistance than he or she earned, the excess funds must be returned.

If the student withdraws before completing 60 percent of the payment period, the amount of assistance that a student has earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if a student completes 30 percent of the payment period, the student has earned 30 percent of the assistance he or she originally was scheduled to receive. Once a student completes more than 60 percent of the payment period, the student has earned all of the assistance.

If a student has received excess funds, Davidson must return a portion of those funds equal to the lesser of (1) the institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the student’s funds, or (2) the entire amount of the excess funds. After Davidson has allocated the funds for which it is responsible, the student must return the remaining amount.

Unearned Title IV funds returned by the institution and/or student must be returned in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans received on behalf of the student, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity grants, other grant or loan assistance authorized by Title IV.

Detailed rules and laws related to these calculations are available upon request from the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Credit Balances

A student generally may receive a distribution of a credit balance from his/her account only once during each semester. Following the conclusion of the late drop/add period, a student may request a refund in the Business Services Office. Normally, refunds are issued within two weeks of the request date. However, no funds will be issued until the student has an actual credit balance on his/her account. Refunds for Federal Title IV recipients are made in accordance with the refund policy specified by the U.S. Department of Education. 

General Student Account Information

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Books: Books and other supplies are available at the Davidson College Bookstore. Purchases may be made using cash, personal or traveler’s checks, credit card (VISA,  MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express) or through the CatCard Services Office declining balance charge system. The cost of books varies with the course of study and is approximately $1,000 per year.

CatCard: The ‘CatCard’ is an all-purpose identification card that can be used throughout campus. A magnetic stripe on the CatCard provides access to the residence halls, the Library, Baker Sports Complex (recreation and spectator uses), and several academic buildings. The CatCard also holds meal plan information and declining balance funds. Students and parents may deposit money at the CatCard Services Office (or via phone with a credit card or online at www.davidson.edu/catcardservices) into a declining balance account that allows students to make purchases at all on-campus dining and retail locations and in some vending areas. It may be used at the College Union for purchases ranging from concert tickets to video rentals. The CatCard is also accepted off campus at the following: Ben & Jerry’s, Bonsai, Donatos, Dominos Pizza, Toast of Davidson and the local CVS.  Lost CatCards are replaced for a fee of $25.00 Dollars, damaged CatCards are replaced at no cost as long as the damaged CatCard is turned in at the time the request is made. The CatCard Services Office is located in the lower level of Belk Residence Hall during regular business hours Monday–Friday.

A $10.00 administrative fee is taken from the first deposit into a student’s declining balance account each academic year.  Because federal and state banking regulations govern card transactions, students or parents may withdraw funds from the declining balance account for only two reasons:

1.  Graduation or withdrawal of student from Davidson.

2.  Yearend refunds (requested during the last 15 days of the academic year).
Deferred Payments: Davidson collects fees in two installments, but it recognizes the need, or preference, of many parents to pay on a monthly basis. Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI) is the college’s approved payment plan administrator. Information may be obtained at www.ecsi.net or by calling 1-888-549-3274.

Fire or theft: The college assumes no responsibility for damages or loss of personal property due to fire, theft or other casualties. The student’s personal or family property and casualty insurance will normally provide limited coverage for such a loss.

Insurance: All currently enrolled students are required to purchase student health insurance through the college’s plan administered by Academic Health Plans or complete an online waiver verifying adequate coverage by August 13.

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