Swarthmore College Overview

Swarthmore College is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Swarthmore, PA. It has an enrollment of 1,643 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 7.79%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,780. Tuition is $56,056.00 without financial aid.

Swarthmore College is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Swarthmore College, 94.92% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1.

Swarthmore College Website

Swarthmore College Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 7.79%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1504.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 34.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Swarthmore College Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $20,780.

The average tuition is:

• $10,638, when family income is less than $30,000

• $11,885, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $11,560, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $20,167, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $46,875, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 11.61% of students received a federal student loan and 22.38% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $56,056.00 without financial aid.

Swarthmore College Net Price Calculator

Swarthmore College Majors/Salaries

Swarthmore College has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Swarthmore College here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $94,408
• Education, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $125,015
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,426
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $81,702
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369

Swarthmore College Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Swarthmore College

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.30%
• Asian: 17.47%
• Black: 7.67%
• Hispanic: 13.63%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.12%
• Non-resident alien: 15.52%
• Two or more races: 9.25%
• Unknown: 2.86%
• White: 33.17%

At Swarthmore College, 0.36% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Swarthmore College Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College is known for having a strong sense of community and school spirit, despite its relatively small size. Students are highly engaged in campus life and are passionate about their academic pursuits as well as their extracurricular activities. Swarthmore also has a number of traditions that foster a sense of community pride, such as the annual Fall Fest, where students showcase their talents and dance the night away. The college also has a number of athletic teams that compete at the Division III level, and many students are avid fans who cheer them on at competitions. Overall, Swarthmore College has a vibrant and tight-knit community with plenty of opportunities for students to get involved and show their school spirit.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to students’ diverse interests. Some of the popular extracurriculars at Swarthmore College are: 1. Swarthmore College Chorus 2. Swarthmore College Wind Ensemble 3. Swarthmore College Jazz Ensemble 4. Swarthmore College Orchestra 5. Swarthmore College Student Council 6. Swarthmore College Debate Society 7. Swarthmore College Model United Nations 8. Swarthmore College Theater Department 9. Swarthmore College Dance Department 10. Swarthmore College Athletics (varsity and intramural sports) There are also many cultural clubs, service groups, and political organizations at Swarthmore College that provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests and passions.

How are the food choices at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College offers a variety of food choices for its students. The campus has a Main Dining Hall that serves meals cooked from scratch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Swarthmore also has a vegetarian and vegan café, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and several small dining rooms. These dining options offer a range of dishes including international cuisine, salads, pizza, sandwiches, soups, and desserts. Additionally, Swarthmore’s dining services cater to students with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Overall, Swarthmore College provides a diverse selection of food choices to accommodate its students’ preferences.

Is there Greek life at Swarthmore College?

Yes, Swarthmore College has Greek life on campus. There are currently four fraternities and two sororities recognized by the college’s Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council. However, it’s worth noting that Greek life at Swarthmore is somewhat different from Greek life at other universities, as the college has what is known as a “self-selective” process for joining Greek organizations. This means that instead of a formal rush process, students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority must be invited by current members. Additionally, Swarthmore has a strong culture of independent student-run housing, which means that many students choose to live in co-op houses or other non-Greek-affiliated living groups.

What is Swarthmore College known for?

Swarthmore College is a liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, high graduation rate, and commitment to social responsibility. Swarthmore consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the country and is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college is also recognized for its dedication to social justice and sustainability and its strong focus on undergraduate research. Swarthmore has notable alumni in various fields, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and prominent public figures.

What are the most popular school clubs at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College has a variety of student-run clubs and organizations. Some of the most popular ones include: 1. Swarthmore College Democrats 2. Swarthmore College Republicans 3. Swarthmore Queer Union 4. Swarthmore Closeted Artists 5. Swarthmore Jewish Students Association 6. Swarthmore Filipino-American Student Association 7. Swarthmore Chinese Society 8. Swarthmore African-American Student Society 9. Swarthmore College Anime and Manga Club 10. Swarthmore College Debate Society These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available at Swarthmore College. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and create new organizations if they cannot find one that meets their needs.

Is the campus at Swarthmore College safe?

Yes, Swarthmore College has a low crime rate and is generally considered a very safe campus. The college has its own Department of Public Safety that works closely with local law enforcement and is available 24/7 to respond to any safety concerns. Additionally, Swarthmore College is located in a relatively safe suburban area with a low crime rate overall.