Category: Small College

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Small College America – Profile: Davidson College

April 21, 2025, by Dean Hoke:  With this profile of Davidson College, I complete the tenth and final entry in my series exploring small colleges across the United States. This journey has deepened my appreciation for the distinct contributions and lasting impact of these diverse institutions. Collectively, these colleges have further strengthened my belief in the diversity, resilience, and enduring importance of American higher education — and reaffirmed the vital role that small colleges continue to play in communities across the country.

Background

Founded in 1837 by Presbyterian leaders, Davidson College is a private liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte. Named after Revolutionary War hero General William Lee Davidson, the college embraces a strong tradition of academic excellence and service. Although it maintains historical ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Davidson welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. A hallmark of Davidson’s culture is its student-run Honor Code, fostering a climate of trust and integrity. With about 2,000 undergraduates, Davidson remains committed to developing “humane instincts and disciplined, creative minds” through a personalized liberal arts education steeped in tradition, yet responsive to the challenges of a changing world.

Curricula

Davidson College offers a broad and rigorous liberal arts education, exclusively focused on undergraduate learning. Students choose from 37 majors and 39 minors, ranging from traditional fields like English, History, and Biology to interdisciplinary studies like Data Science and Environmental Studies. Through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, students can even create personalized majors. All students must complete a comprehensive general education program, emphasizing writing, critical thinking, and exposure to diverse disciplines.

 Davidson has an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, which promotes mentorship and in-depth discussion. Faculty, all holding terminal degrees, foster an environment that encourages original research and creative work. Davidson emphasizes experiential learning, with over 70% of students studying abroad and many engaging in faculty-mentored research or community-based projects.  Signature programs include the Center for Civic Engagement and Humanities Seminars. The college’s academic culture, shaped by its Honor Code, blends classic liberal arts education with forward-looking innovation, producing graduates who are both intellectually agile and socially responsible.

Strengths

  • Academic Achievements: Davidson students and alumni excel in prestigious awards. The college has produced 23 Rhodes Scholars (one of the highest totals per capita for an undergraduate institution) and is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars​. Students are also competitive for Goldwater, Watson, and Marshall scholarships, reflecting the quality of preparation.
  • Employment and graduate school placement rates: In the class of 2024, 92% were employed or enrolled in postgraduate education 6 months after graduation. This has been consistent for a number of years.
  • Selective Admissions: Admission to Davidson is highly competitive (“most selective” according to Princeton Review and U.S. News). For the Class of 2027 entering fall 2023, Davidson’s acceptance rate was ~14.5% (1,068 accepted out of 7,363 applicants) ​and has a yield rate of nearly 50%​. Davidson practices need-blind admissions for U.S. students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
  • Notable Faculty and Resources: Davidson’s faculty are dedicated teachers and active scholars. Small class sizes and an emphasis on undergraduate research allow students to work closely with faculty on original research or creative works. The college has modern facilities for science and art. Davidson’s NCAA Division I athletics (unusual for a school of its size) also provides school spirit and national visibility, particularly the men’s basketball program.
  • Financial Strength and Aid: Davidson’s financial position is robust, with an endowment of approximately $1.3 billion as of 2023​. This substantial endowment (which has more than doubled in the past decade) underwrites the college’s Davidson Trust, a landmark financial aid program.

Weaknesses

  • High Cost and Financial Accessibility:
    The high sticker price of attending Davidson—now over $80,000 annually and rising—remains a barrier for many middle-income families. Students without demonstrated financial need receive little or no merit aid, limiting socioeconomic diversity compared to peer institutions with larger endowments.
  • Student Diversity Challenges:
    Davidson College has made significant efforts to diversify its student body, but challenges remain. Black and Hispanic/Latino enrollment continues to lag behind national averages for selective liberal arts colleges. Although Davidson has invested in scholarships, outreach programs, and DEI initiatives, progress has been gradual. Some students and alumni express concern that the pace of change has not fully kept up with the college’s aspirations for a more inclusive campus community.
  • Faculty Retention Challenges Among Early-Career and Diverse Faculty:
    While Davidson College enjoys strong overall faculty stability, recent strategic plan updates and DEI committee reports acknowledge challenges in retaining early-career and underrepresented faculty members. Factors such as limited research resources, heavier service burdens for faculty of color, and opportunities at larger institutions have contributed to higher attrition rates within these groups.

Economic Impact

According to the Davidson College Economic Impact Report 2023, produced by Appleseed Inc. (an economic consulting firm specializing in higher education and nonprofit sectors), Davidson College generates nearly $500 million annually for the North Carolina economy, including $430 million for the Charlotte metro region. The college supports approximately 2,300 jobs statewide and contributes around $22 million in annual state tax revenue. Student and visitor spending adds another $18 million annually to local businesses. Beyond economics, Davidson students contribute over 73,000 hours of community service each year, benefiting local schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations. The town-gown relationship is exemplary, with Davidson serving as a cultural, social, and educational hub for the region. Davidson’s strategic proximity to Charlotte opens further opportunities for collaboration, internships, and regional engagement, ensuring that its impact extends well beyond its picturesque campus.

Enrollment Trends

According to the Davidson College FactFile, enrollment has remained steady with a gender balance and a national/international student body.

The college student body represents all states and 57 nations. The domestic student of color population is 28%, and  53% of the students are women.

Degrees Awarded by Major

In the 2023–24 academic year, Davidson College conferred degrees to 504 graduates, of whom 108 had double majors.

Alumni

Davidson College’s alumni impact spans politics, literature, sports, and public service:

  • Dean Rusk (1931): U.S. Secretary of State under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson; Davidson’s international studies program honors his legacy.
  • Tony Snow (1977): Former White House Press Secretary and noted journalist; exemplified public communication skills rooted in his Davidson education.
  • Patricia Cornwell (1979:) Best-Selling crime novelist whose forensic thrillers have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
  • Elizabeth Kiss (1983): Global educational leader and Warden of Rhodes House at Oxford University; a trailblazer in ethics and leadership education.
  • Anthony Foxx (1993): U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former Mayor of Charlotte; actively supports Davidson’s civic engagement initiatives.
  • Stephen Curry (2010, completed 2022): NBA MVP and four-time champion; his legendary NCAA tournament run put Davidson basketball on the national map, and he returned to complete his sociology degree.

Endowment and Financial Standing

Davidson’s endowment has grown significantly, reaching approximately $1.375 billion in 2023. This growth supports its generous need-blind, no-loan financial aid policies and academic initiatives.

The college’s financial management has earned high marks. The 2023 Forbes Financial Grades give Davison a 3.9 GPA and an A letter grade.

Return on Investment (ROI)

According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Davidson’s 40-year ROI for bachelor’s degrees is $2,689,000—well above the national average of $1,744,000 for private institutions. This places Davidson in the top 75 private college institutions.

Why is Davidson Important?

• Davidson College embodies the best traditions of academic rigor, ethical leadership, and service.
Founded in 1837, Davidson forged a powerful model of liberal arts education rooted in critical thinking, moral inquiry, and civic responsibility. The college’s honor code—one of the earliest in the South—still defines campus culture today, emphasizing personal integrity and a community of trust.

• Davidson’s regional and national influence extends far beyond its campus.
The college plays a growing role in the economic and civic life of the Charlotte metro area, leveraging partnerships that connect students to real-world opportunities in business, public service, and innovation. Nationally, Davidson alumni have made transformative contributions in government, global affairs, literature, education, and athletics, demonstrating that small colleges can have broad and lasting societal impact.

• Davidson remains a vital force for leadership, diversity, and opportunity.
Initiatives like the Davidson Trust, which eliminates student loans from financial aid packages, alongside robust global learning and community engagement programs, show Davidson’s commitment to access and excellence. The college continuously prepares students not only for professional success but for principled leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Summary

Davidson College remains one of America’s premier liberal arts institutions, blending historic tradition with forward-looking innovation. The college exemplifies the transformative power of the liberal arts, producing leaders of conscience and influence. It has long combined academic excellence with ethical leadership and a global perspective, demonstrating that a small college can have a profound national and international impact. Davidson’s commitment to trust, service, and innovation ensures that it continues to shape lives and society for the better.

Dean Hoke is Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy, and a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute. He formerly served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges’ challenges and opportunities. Dean, along with Kent Barnds, is a co-host for the podcast series Small College America. 

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Small College America – Profile: Tuskegee University

April 14, 2025, by Dean Hoke: This profile of Tuskegee University is the ninth in a series presenting small colleges throughout the United States.

Background

Founded in 1881 by educator Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University is a private historically black university (HBCU) located in Tuskegee, Alabama – about 40 miles east of Montgomery​ . Established initially as the Tuskegee Normal School for training Black teachers, it evolved into Tuskegee Institute and eventually a university known for blending liberal arts, technical, and professional education. The university’s campus, a designated National Historic Site, spans roughly 5,000 acres (including a 450-acre main campus and extensive forestry and research lands)​. Tuskegee is consistently ranked among the top HBCUs nationally (U.S. News #3 in 2023) and is noted for its academic rigor and legacy of producing African American leaders​.

Curricula

Tuskegee offers a broad curriculum encompassing over 50 degree programs​. Programs include Engineering, Architecture, Business, Education, and Nursing & Allied Health, as well as a renowned College of Veterinary Medicine​. The university balances a liberal arts foundation with strong STEM and professional programs. Students complete a liberal arts core while pursuing majors in fields like engineering, agriculture, the sciences, business, and the humanities. Tuskegee has introduced distinctive programs that leverage its heritage – for example, it hosts the nation’s only Aerospace Engineering program at an HBCU, and it houses a National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care focused on minority health ethics​.

Experiential learning is integral: from engineering design projects to agricultural research and Cooperative Extension outreach in rural communities, students get hands-on training. Notably, Tuskegee’s veterinary medicine program, founded in 1945, provides crucial clinical experience and has become a top producer of minority veterinarians. Outcomes for graduates are strong in many programs – for example, nursing and allied health majors benefit from clinical partnerships, and engineering students often secure competitive internships. Tuskegee reports in 2022, the four-year graduation rate is 33%, and the six-year graduation rate is 67%​​.

Strengths

  • Historic Legacy and Mission: Tuskegee’s history is a cornerstone of its identity. It was built on Booker T. Washington’s self-help philosophy and has played a pivotal role in African American education for over a century​.
  • Excellence in STEM, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine: The university is a powerhouse in STEM fields. It is the only independent HBCU with four ABET-accredited engineering programs​ and the only HBCU with an Aerospace Science Engineering program​. Its College of Veterinary Medicine has educated over 70% of African American veterinarians in the United States​​.
  • Strong Student Outcomes and Recognition: Tuskegee is recognized for improving social mobility and student success. U.S. News ranks Tuskegee #1 among Southern schools for social mobility and among the top 5 HBCUs nationwide. The university has produced generations of leaders and pioneers, which bolsters its reputation and provides current students with role models and mentors.
  • Community Engagement and Service: As a land-grant institution, Tuskegee is deeply committed to community service and outreach. Through its Cooperative Extension Program and initiatives like the new Center for Rural Health and Economic Equity, the university addresses needs in Alabama’s Black Belt region—from agricultural assistance for local farmers to health equity research for underserved rural populations​​.

Weaknesses

  • Enrollment Decline: Tuskegee’s Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment has steadily decreased from 3,276 in 2019 to a low of 2,755 in 2023, with a modest rebound to 2,881 in 2024. This downward trend, though not unique among small institutions, negatively impacts tuition revenue, national rankings, and institutional perception.
  • Infrastructure and Facilities: Numerous campus buildings require modernization. Students and alumni on platforms like UNIGO have expressed concerns about aging dormitories and outdated lab and classroom technology. These issues pose challenges for student recruitment and retention, especially in STEM disciplines. The university acknowledged these concerns in 2024 and stated that actions are underway to address construction delays.
  • Return on Investment (ROI): According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Tuskegee’s 40-year ROI for bachelor’s degrees is $1,434,000—well below the national average of $1,744,000 for private institutions. This places Tuskegee in the lower 20th percentile nationally and may raise concerns among prospective students and families weighing the long-term value of a Tuskegee degree.

Note: Tuskegee does an exceptional job with the students it serves, often outperforming peers in helping students succeed and move up economically. However, its graduates’ average earnings are lower than those of graduates from many other private institutions, which affects ROI rankings. This contrast is common among mission-driven institutions that serve high-need populations and public interest-oriented fields (e.g., education, social work, veterinary medicine), where average salaries tend to be lower despite high societal value.

Economic Impact

Tuskegee University is a major economic engine for its region. According to the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) 2024 Economic Impact Report, Tuskegee University contributes approximately $237.1 million annually to Alabama’s economy and supports 2,064 jobs statewide through its operations, payroll, student spending, and visitor expenditures. It is one of the largest employers in Macon County, with nearly 1,400 employees on payroll​, and its presence stimulates additional employment in the community (restaurants, shops, services that cater to students and employees).

Beyond direct spending, as a land-grant institution, it operates Cooperative Extension programs that improve agricultural productivity and entrepreneurship in rural Alabama. The university actively pursues research grants that address local needs. For example, in 2023, Tuskegee received a $2.2 million federal grant to establish a Center for Rural Health and Economic Equity, which will not only improve healthcare outcomes in Black Belt counties but also create research jobs and community health worker positions​.

Enrollment Trends

As of Fall 2024, total enrollment (FTE) is 2881 students, including undergraduates, graduate students, and professional students in veterinary medicine​.

The university has actively recruited beyond Alabama: currently, only 26% of undergraduates are Alabama residents, while 74% come from out-of-state​.

Degrees Awarded by Major

In the 2022–23 academic year, Tuskegee University conferred 547 degrees in total (410 bachelor’s, 69 master’s, and 68 doctorates, including professional degrees)​.

Alumni

Tuskegee University boasts a vibrant alumni network of tens of thousands of graduates spread across the U.S. and abroad. With nearly 140 years of history, Tuskegee has produced generations of African American professionals and leaders, creating an expansive community often referred to as the “Tuskegee Family.” Alumni remain closely connected to the university and each other.

Notable Alumni and Figures: Tuskegee’s alumni and associated figures include some of the most influential names in U.S. education, science, military, and culture:

  • Amelia Boynton Robinson (Class of 1927): Pioneering civil rights activist and leader in the voting rights movement. She played a key role in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, inviting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Selma.
  • Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James (Class of 1942): The first African American four-star general in U.S. military history.
  • Lonnie Johnson (Class of 1973): Engineer and inventor, Johnson, a Tuskegee mechanical engineering graduate​, had a distinguished career at the Air Force and NASA before his entrepreneurial success. He holds over 100 patents.
  • Lionel Richie (Class of 1974): Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and former lead vocalist of the Commodores. Richie, a Tuskegee native, graduated with an economics degree.
  • Keenen Ivory Wayans (Attended from 1977-1980): an American actor, comedian, director, and filmmaker who co-hosted and created the TV comedy Emmy award show In Living Color. An engineering student on scholarship, he left Tuskegee in his senior year to pursue acting.

Endowment and Financial Standing

Tuskegee University’s financial foundation is solid but underpins a careful stewardship to meet institutional needs. As of 2024, the university’s endowment is valued at around $161 million.​ It remains smaller than some peer HBCUs. The university still depends heavily on tuition and fees.​ A milestone came in 2020 when philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $20 million to Tuskegee – the largest gift in the university’s history​.

The university’s financial management has earned positive marks. The 2023 Forbes Financial Grades gives Tuskegee a 3.82 GPA and a letter grade of A-.

Why is Tuskegee Important?

  • Tuskegee University holds a singular place in American higher education and society, with a legacy and ongoing impact that extend far beyond its small-town Alabama campus. Founded in an era of segregation and limited opportunities for Black Americans, Tuskegee became a beacon of self-determination – educating Black teachers, farmers, and craftsmen in its early years and proving that excellence could flourish under the most challenging conditions.
  • Tuskegee’s importance also lies in its academic and professional contributions, particularly in increasing diversity in critical fields. It has been a prolific producer of African American professionals: for example, as noted, the vast majority of Black veterinarians are Tuskegee graduates​, and the university has trained countless Black engineers, nurses, and scientists.
  • Tuskegee University remains a cultural touchstone and symbol of excellence. Tuskegee has also influenced educational models worldwide; notably, its extension work and vocational training approaches were emulated in developing nations (especially in Africa) during the 20th century, spreading the ethos of education for empowerment globally.

In summary, Tuskegee University is important because it represents the power of education as a force for equality and innovation. It has transformed lives and communities for generations, contributed richly to African American history and American progress, and continues to produce leaders and ideas that shape our world. In American higher education, Tuskegee’s thread is unique and invaluable – an embodiment of resilience, excellence, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of society.

Dean Hoke is Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group, a higher education consultancy, and a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute. He formerly served as President/CEO of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). With decades of experience in higher education leadership, consulting, and institutional strategy, he brings a wealth of knowledge on small colleges’ challenges and opportunities. Dean, along with Kent Barnds, is a co-host for the podcast series Small College America.