ACCEPTANCE RATE
6.9%
More selective than 96% of listed universities.
SelectiveAccessible
Private University
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College, located in suburban Philadelphia, is a vibrant community where innovative ideas converge. Founded in 1864, it fosters a strong academic environment for 1,644 students.
6.9%ACCEPTANCE
$17,930AVG NET PRICE
94%GRAD RATE
1,644STUDENTS
University data profileIPEDS 2023
Philadelphia, PAsuburb 425 acres
THE SIGNATURE
Swarthmore College Report Card
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Swarthmore College is a private nonprofit institution offering a four-year education. Founded in 1864, it boasts a diverse community of scholars, where students engage in meaningful academic pursuits and collaborative projects. The college's campus is set in a beautiful arboretum, providing a serene backdrop for learning and exploration.
Student life at Swarthmore is enriched by a strong sense of community and a commitment to sustainability and social justice. Programs such as the Honors Program and initiatives like the To Zero By Thirty-Five energy plan exemplify the college's dedication to fostering responsible leadership and innovative research. With Philadelphia just a short distance away, students have access to a vibrant urban environment that enhances their educational experience.
AT A GLANCE
TypePrivateFour or more years
Founded1864
Settingsuburb 425 acres
Calendarsemester
GETTING IN
Admissions
Swarthmore College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6.9%. In the latest admissions cycle, the college received 14,287 applications, reflecting its appeal among prospective students seeking a rigorous academic environment.
Source: IPEDS 2023
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,460–1,560
4001600
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Jan 4regular
Early Decision Nov 15
Undergraduate application fee $60.
WHAT IT COSTS
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$62,412/yr
Out-of-state: $62,412/yr.
Net price by income band
$8,580$0–$30,000
$5,592$30,001–$48,000
$8,292$48,001–$75,000
$20,977$75,001–$110,000
$47,429$110,001+
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$17,930/yr
▼ 9% since 2020-2157% receive grants or scholarships
Average grant or scholarship aid $57,170.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Academics
Swarthmore College is recognized for its strong academic programs, offering 106 undergraduate majors across a variety of disciplines. The college prides itself on fostering a collaborative and engaging scholarly community, aiming to prepare students for meaningful contributions in their fields.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
8:1
70.4% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
94%
▲ 0 pts since 2016
First-year retention
97%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
106
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
Economics, General.14.2%
Computer and Information Sciences, General.11.3%
Engineering, General.8.1%
Mathematics, General.7.3%
Political Science and Government, General.7.1%
Neuroscience.4.4%
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus & Housing
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.
University-controlled housing capacity
1,574
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
suburb 425 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Student outcomes
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$80,257
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
69.8%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
85.2%
85.2% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Neighborhoods near Swarthmore
Where students live around Swarthmore College — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
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Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with Swarthmore College.