At $18,686/yr net price, Swarthmore College graduates earn $80,257/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $46,257/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,686 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,744 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $80,257/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$46,257/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 94.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,580/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,592/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,292/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,977/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,429/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $125,015 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $94,408 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $81,702 | $19,500 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
94.1% of students at Swarthmore College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Swarthmore College delivers strong financial returns despite its liberal arts focus, with median earnings hitting over $80,000 within ten years of graduation. Your debt burden stays manageable at $17,500, well below national averages for private colleges.
Mathematics majors see strong returns at $125,015 annually, while computer science graduates earn $94,408. Economics majors pull in $81,702, making these three programs clear winners for ROI. Psychology and education majors face tougher financial prospects, with psychology graduates earning just $43,426 despite similar debt loads.
The college's financial aid structure creates an unusual active. Only 20% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting most families pay the full freight or receive merit scholarships. If you qualify for need-based aid, your net price drops to under $19,000 annually, making this an strong value. Without aid, you face steep costs that may not justify the investment for lower-earning majors.
Swarthmore works best financially if you plan to study quantitative fields, qualify for substantial aid, or come from a wealthy family where debt is not a concern. The 94% graduation rate and 97% retention rate indicate strong institutional support, reducing your risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Avoid Swarthmore if you want to study education or psychology without family financial backing. The earning potential in these fields cannot support the full cost of attendance. The college offers limited merit scholarships, so middle-class families often get squeezed between high costs and minimal aid eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swarthmore College worth the high cost?
Swarthmore graduates earn $80,257 annually after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional given the school's selectivity. The generous financial aid brings average net costs down to $18,686 yearly, making it more affordable than sticker price suggests.
What are the best paying majors at Swarthmore College?
Mathematics majors lead earnings at $125,015 annually, followed by computer science at $94,408 and economics at $81,702. Education and psychology majors earn significantly less at $47,260 and $43,426 respectively.
How much debt do Swarthmore College students graduate with?
The median debt is $17,500, which is relatively low for a private college. Combined with strong graduation rates at 94%, most students complete their degrees without excessive borrowing.
Does Swarthmore College provide good financial aid?
Yes, financial aid is strong with average net costs of $18,686 per year despite high sticker prices. This makes Swarthmore accessible to middle and lower-income families who qualify for aid.