Simmons University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simmons University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simmons University 9:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Simmons University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons 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 Simmons University ($22,469 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 13.2% lower than at Swarthmore College ($17,618 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 39.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $18,620 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.7% higher at Swarthmore than at Simmons University (about $18,620 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Swarthmore College (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 75.5% larger than aid received by Simmons University students ($61,634 vs. $35,123).

Simmons University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simmons 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 Simmons University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 220 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Simmons University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027; Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Simmons University (3.87).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Simmons University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Simmons University graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($201 vs. $268).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

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.