Swarthmore vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Swarthmore College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,623 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Swarthmore College 7:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Swarthmore vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Swarthmore or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University than Swarthmore ($18,595 vs. $22,469).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 28.4% lower than at Swarthmore College ($14,540 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 153.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $39,636 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.3% higher at Swarthmore than at Fisk University (about $39,636 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Swarthmore College (87% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 170.2% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($61,634 vs. $22,811).

Swarthmore vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Swarthmore or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and Swarthmore.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 200 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Swarthmore College 1490/1560; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Swarthmore College 33/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Swarthmore - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.8% at Swarthmore vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Swarthmore vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Swarthmore and Fisk University? 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $29,900 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($201 vs. $268).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 38%)

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.