St Lawrence University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

Compare St Lawrence University in Canton, NY with Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St Lawrence University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (1,991 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• St Lawrence University is located in Canton, NY (Remote Town setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• St Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: St Lawrence University 11:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

St Lawrence University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence University ($22,469 vs. $33,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St Lawrence University are 16.3% lower than at Swarthmore College ($17,000 vs. $20,308).
• St Lawrence University is 0.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Swarthmore (about $406 more per year; $65,900.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at St Lawrence University than at Swarthmore College (about $406 more per year; $65,900.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Lawrence University than at Swarthmore College (99% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 26.3% larger than aid received by St Lawrence University students ($61,634 vs. $48,784).

St Lawrence University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 190 points higher than at St Lawrence University (1340).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at St Lawrence University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St Lawrence University 1255/1420; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St Lawrence University 30/33; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St Lawrence University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St Lawrence University Feb 1, 2027; Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at St Lawrence University (3.6).
• St Lawrence University has a higher acceptance rate (54.3%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at St Lawrence University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

St Lawrence University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence University's (80%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than St Lawrence University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $53,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than St Lawrence University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Lawrence University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St Lawrence University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 85%)

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.