Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Swarthmore College has a 6.9% acceptance rate. Swarthmore College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Swarthmore, PA, with a median SAT of 1540 and a median ACT of 34. The average net price is $23,149 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

6.9%

14,287 applicants

SAT Median

1540

Combined score

ACT Median

34

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$23,149

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Swarthmore College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Swarthmore College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)144015401560
ACT (composite, 1–36)333435

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

93.2%

Retention Rate

94.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,257

Student Body

1,613

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Swarthmore College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$7,690
$30,001 – $48,000$4,951
$48,001 – $75,000$11,444
$75,001 – $110,000$22,443
$110,000+$47,544

Top Majors at Swarthmore College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences103
Computer & Information Sciences56
Biological & Biomedical Sciences47
Visual & Performing Arts31
Engineering29
Mathematics & Statistics29
Psychology24
Philosophy & Religious Studies18
Physical Sciences18
English Language & Literature15

Financial Aid at Swarthmore College

About Swarthmore College

Official website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/

Admissions: https://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Swarthmore College

What is the acceptance rate at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%. it received about 14,287 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1540; the average net price is $23,149 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Swarthmore College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Swarthmore College?

Getting into Swarthmore College is highly competitive — it admits 7% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1540. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Swarthmore College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Swarthmore College?

Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically have a median SAT around 1540 and a median ACT around 34. With a 7% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Swarthmore College?

The average net price at Swarthmore College is $23,149 per year after grants and scholarships. about 54% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $62,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 93%. its first-year retention rate is 94%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $80,257. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Swarthmore College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Swarthmore College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Swarthmore College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1540. With a 7% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Swarthmore College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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