Swarthmore vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

Compare Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Richmond is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (3,722 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Swarthmore vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Swarthmore or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($22,469 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 15.6% lower than at Swarthmore College ($17,140 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $264 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Swarthmore than at University of Richmond (about $264 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Swarthmore College than at University of Richmond (57% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 20.8% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($61,634 vs. $51,039).

Swarthmore vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 60 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Swarthmore College 1490/1560; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Swarthmore College 33/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Swarthmore - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.8% at Swarthmore vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Swarthmore vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Swarthmore and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Swarthmore graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $65,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $1,648 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($201 vs. $218).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 75%)

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.