Brandeis University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brandeis University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (5,205 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Brandeis University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Swarthmore? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Swarthmore College than Brandeis University ($22,469 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brandeis University are 1.8% lower than at Swarthmore College ($19,944 vs. $20,308).
• Brandeis University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Swarthmore (about $2,586 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at Brandeis University than at Swarthmore College (about $2,586 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at Swarthmore College (62% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 43.9% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($61,634 vs. $42,841).

Brandeis University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Swarthmore? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Swarthmore and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 70 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Brandeis University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Swarthmore? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Swarthmore College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Swarthmore graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $65,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.