Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Swarthmore, Pennsylvania |
| Online | swarthmore.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Swarthmore College, established in 1864, is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, just 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, the college provides a diverse curriculum with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. Its bucolic 425-acre campus is distinguished by an arboretum and notable stone collegiate Gothic architectural structures. It enrolls a small student body and maintains a highly selective admissions process, seeking students who demonstrate exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. Swarthmore is particularly known for its Honors Program, which models the tutorial style of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The college ensures on-campus housing for all students throughout their four years, fostering a close-knit living and learning environment. While not a driving force of campus life, Swarthmore does offer athletic programs as a member of the NCAA Division III, with teams known as the Swarthmore Garnet, though it is not principally recognized for its athletic pursuits.
In the most recent statistical year 14,707 prospective students applied, and 1,019 were granted admission. Of those admitted 433 enrolled in the school. 1,625 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $58,928 plus fees of $400. Swarthmore is ranked 40 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Swarthmore is rated within the top 9% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Swarthmore College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#40 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#40 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#3 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#34 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1440/1560 |
| ACT | 32/35 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.9 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 4, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $760 |
| Other Fees | $400 |
| Room and Board | $18,026 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,900 |
| Total One Year Cost | $80,014 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 29% |
| Biology | 11% |
| Foreign Languages | 8% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| English and Literature | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Swarthmore are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Swarthmore College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=216287 IPEDS survey data for Swarthmore College.
Current students may use the Swarthmore College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024