Wesleyan University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

Compare Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT with Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wesleyan University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (4,011 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wesleyan University is located in Middletown, CT (Small City setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wesleyan University 8:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Wesleyan University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University ($22,469 vs. $23,025).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wesleyan University are 2.1% lower than at Swarthmore College ($19,872 vs. $20,308).
• Wesleyan University is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Swarthmore (about $4,848 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Wesleyan University than at Swarthmore College (about $4,848 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $65,494.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Swarthmore College than at Wesleyan University (57% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Swarthmore College students ($65,995 vs. $61,634).

Wesleyan University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 50 points higher than at Wesleyan University (1480).
• Incoming Wesleyan University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Swarthmore (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 1415/1540; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wesleyan University 33/35; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wesleyan University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027; Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Wesleyan University has a higher acceptance rate (16.5%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Wesleyan University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Wesleyan University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University's (92%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Swarthmore graduates ($17,500 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Swarthmore graduates ($180 vs. $201).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Swarthmore students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 87%)

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.