College Comparison
Boston University vs Swarthmore College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
37,737
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
18,805
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.79
3.93
SAT Range
1420–1530
1490–1560
ACT Range
32–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$60
Total Applicants
78,769
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,070
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$26,996
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$61,050
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,050
$58,928
Room & Board
$19,020
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
49.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,848
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
$80,257
More Comparisons
Compare Boston with...
View Boston profile →
Compare Swarthmore with...
View Swarthmore profile →
Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $8,310 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Swarthmore College, the typical SAT range is 1490-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Swarthmore College has a ratio of 7:1. Swarthmore College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Boston University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.