Davidson College

Davidson College was founded in 1837, and is located in North Carolina about 19 miles north of Charlotte. The school became completely co-educational in 1973. The suburban campus is spread over 665 acres, and 93% of all undergraduates choose to live on campus. Although the school is often ranked among the most rigorous liberal arts programs, students can also take part in thriving on-campus activities and organizations. With a small population of just over 1,900 students, the atmosphere is a very intimate one.

There are 31 majors available. The most popular majors include social sciences, biological/life sciences, English, physical sciences and psychology . Davidson College students also have the opportunity to design their own majors through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. They can also choose to complete a second major, minor, or concentration. There are 15 interdisciplinary minors including: applied mathematics, communication studies, data science, digital studies, environmental studies, genomics, and neuroscience. Classes remain small with a student to faculty ratio of 9 to one. Approximately 69% of the classes have fewer than 20 students. In fact, only four classes more than 40 students, ensuring undergraduates can receive individualized attention from their professors.

Davidson College has more than 200 student organizations. The groups range in theme, including arts and culture, sports, political, health and sexuality and religious groups. The Davidson campus is more than willing to accept the formation of new groups; the Student Activities Office welcomes the founding of new organizations. Most student events are organized by the Union Board; they host concerts during the fall and spring semesters, Freshman Welcome events and movie nights. There are four a cappella groups on campus. Students also participate in the “Davidsonian,” the weekly newspaper. It was founded in 1914, and continues to be popular on campus. There is a significant Greek scene at Davidson. The fraternity and eating house system is called Patterson Court. There are eight national fraternities, four local women’s eating houses and two sororities on campus. About 50% of women and 28% of men belong to a Greek organization. Davidson College also has a popular sports program with 21 NCAA Division I teams.

Undergraduates can find many opportunities for advancement on the Davidson campus. Small class sizes and a surplus of extracurriculars provide students with a tight-knit community. Despite challenging academic programs, students can find a way to express their personalities through Greek life or social organizations. Those looking for a quality liberal arts education should investigate Davidson College’s many advantages.