Swarthmore College
Liberal arts college · Swarthmore, PA · 1,613 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
7.5%
Extremely selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Average net price
$17,392
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$88,696
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
92%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College accepts about 7 of every 100 applicants (7.5%), which makes it extremely selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1490 and 1560 on the SAT. A score at or above 1560 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1490, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 33–35.
The latest federal data says Swarthmore College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Swarthmore College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Swarthmore College cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $88,696 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $17,392 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $69,226 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$69,226
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$69,226
- Room & board$21,466
- Total cost of attendance$88,696
- Average net price after grants$17,392
Popular majors
Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, Economics.
Swarthmore College FAQ
- What is Swarthmore College's acceptance rate?
- 7.5% — extremely selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Swarthmore College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1490–1560. Aim for 1560 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Swarthmore College?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 33–35.
- Is Swarthmore College test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Swarthmore College is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Swarthmore College's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Swarthmore College cost?
- About $88,696 a year before aid; $17,392 on average after grants.
- What is Swarthmore College's FAFSA school code?
- 003370. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Swarthmore College receives your information.
- What is Swarthmore College's graduation rate?
- 92% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Swarthmore College
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA | 5.4% | 1510–1570 | $29,577 | 97% |
| Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA | 12% | 1500–1570 | $35,780 | 94% |
| Haverford CollegeHaverford, PA | 12% | 1460–1550 | $31,075 | 89% |
| Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL | 7.7% | 1510–1570 | $34,420 | 96% |
| Rice UniversityHouston, TX | 8% | 1510–1570 | $11,164 | 95% |
| Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD | 6.4% | 1520–1570 | $18,431 | 93% |