About Swarthmore College
Despite a sticker price of $82,136, most families pay far less thanks to generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,580 on average, while even those from households earning $75,000-$110,000 pay only $20,977. Graduates typically leave with $17,500 in debt and earn a median salary of $80,257 ten years out, making the investment worthwhile. The 94.10% six-year graduation rate reflects both student quality and institutional support.
Greek life doesn't exist here, creating a different social active than at many colleges. Instead, students bond over academic passions and campus traditions. With 447 students competing in 18 Division III sports, athletics provide community without the pressure of scholarships. The 97.23% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for in this intellectually intense environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 93.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 93.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 94.1%
- Retention Rate
- 97.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,257
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $125,015 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $94,408 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $81,702 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
The honor code shapes daily life here in ways most colleges can't match. Students take unproctored exams and leave laptops unattended in common areas. With 8 students per faculty member, you'll likely grab coffee with professors and attend dinner parties at their homes. The 447 student-athletes competing in 18 Division III sports create weekend energy without the intensity of scholarship programs. Students organize their own parties since Greek life doesn't exist. Study groups form naturally in the residence halls, where academic conversations continue well past midnight. The Garnet nickname reflects the school's unpretentious culture where intellectual curiosity matters more than social status.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,574 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1864
Campus Safety (2023)
85 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 12 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–42°F
- July Avg
- 70°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.6%
- Women
- 51.4%
- White
- 29.5%
- Black
- 9.4%
- Hispanic
- 15.1%
- Asian
- 17.6%
- In-State Students
- 12.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.0%
Location
- Address
- Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,257
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,588
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore admits just 6.93% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. The admitted students typically score between 1440-1560 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting top academic performers who thrive under its honor code system.
How much does Swarthmore College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,686, despite a sticker price of $82,136 for total attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,580 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) typically pay $47,429 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Swarthmore College?
The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, enabling the intense academic discussions and close mentorship that define the Swarthmore experience. With only 1,627 students total, this small liberal arts college emphasizes rigorous seminar-style classes over large lectures.
What do Swarthmore College graduates earn after graduation?
The median earnings 10 years after graduation reach $80,257, reflecting strong career outcomes for this academically rigorous institution. Graduates also carry relatively modest debt loads, with a median of $17,500 and monthly loan payments of just $186.
Where do most Swarthmore College students come from?
Only 12.06% of students are from Pennsylvania, drawing a geographically diverse student body to this suburban campus. The college attracts 29.50% white students, 17.58% Asian students, 15.12% Hispanic students, and 9.40% Black students, creating a multicultural community focused on academic excellence.
Does Swarthmore College have Greek life?
Swarthmore has no Greek life, instead fostering community through its honor code and collaborative academic culture. The college fields 18 varsity sports teams with 447 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III, emphasizing participation over athletic scholarships.
