Davidson makes tuition free for families earning up to $175K
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Davidson College has a new tuition structure that will mean free tuition for U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose families earn $175,000 or less.
Why it matters: High costs are a major barrier for people looking to earn a college degree, as Axios has previously reported.
How it works: Starting with new students who enroll in fall 2027:
- Total family income of $85,000 or less will receive a full scholarship, meaning tuition, fees, housing and meals are covered.
- For families earning $85,000 to $175,000, tuition is covered, plus possible additional aid based on calculated need.
- For those earning above $175,000, financial aid that covers full calculated need without loans.
Context: Since 2007, Davidson has not included loans in financial aid packaging. Instead, students have received grants and on-campus jobs.
By the numbers: The private four-year institution just north of Charlotte has a tuition of $73,090. Roughly 70% of Davidson students receive financial assistance and the average aid package is $66,000, per a university spokesperson.
- "Davidson College's financial aid is funded by returns from our endowment and gifts from alumni and supporters," Davidson College president Doug Hicks says. "Last year, we committed approximately $80 million to financial aid. This year, we expect to spend $85 million to recruit students from all incomes and life experiences."
- The school has 2,073 students, according to a Davidson College spokesperson.
Flashback: Earlier this year, NBA superstar and Charlotte native Stephen Curry announced the Davidson College Curry Scholars Program.
- The Davidson alumnus is working with the college to launch a scholarship program that will allow Bay Area students to attend his alma mater.
- The program will also launch in fall 2027.
The big picture: A number of North Carolina schools have implemented free tuition for students who meet a certain threshold, including:
- Duke University — below $150,000 for North and South Carolina students.
- University of North Carolina at Asheville —up to $90,000 for North Carolina students.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — up $80,000 for North Carolina students.
- Wake Forest University — up to $200,000 for North Carolina students.