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 gives you a strong financial return, but the payoff depends heavily on what you study. The median debt of $17,500 is low, the graduation rate sits above 94%, and almost everyone comes back after freshman year. You leave with a degree that's likely finished on time and a debt load you can clear.
Your major decides everything here. Math graduates out-earn psychology graduates by nearly three to one, and that gap is not small money over a career. Computer science and economics also land in solid earning territory. If you major in psychology or education, expect starting-adjacent earnings that sit below the school's overall median, and those two fields carry the same sticker price as the ones that pay double. Pick your program with the earnings numbers in front of you.
The main financial risk is the income cliff in the net price tiers. If your family earns over $110k, you pay close to full freight, and a psychology or education degree at that price is a weak trade financially. Below $75k, the math changes completely: you pay under $9,000 a year, and even a lower-earning major becomes affordable. The $75k-$110k band pays roughly $21,000, a real jump from the tier below it.
Swarthmore is a good fit for you if your family earns under $75k, or if you plan to study math, computer science, or economics at any income level. The aid at lower incomes makes the whole thing work. If your family is over $110k and you're drawn to lower-paying fields, the full price is hard to justify on earnings alone, and you should compare it against cheaper options before committing.
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.