College Comparison
Brandeis 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
Waltham, MA
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
5,205
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
3,632
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
40.5%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.82
3.93
SAT Range
1390–1520
1490–1560
ACT Range
31–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$60
Total Applicants
10,462
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,308
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$33,885
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$61,724
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,724
$58,928
Room & Board
$18,584
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
62.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$42,841
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
87.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$77,231
$80,257
More Comparisons
Compare Brandeis with...
View Brandeis profile →
Compare Swarthmore with...
View Swarthmore profile →
Explore by Location
Brandeis is in Waltham, MA
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Brandeis University is $33,885 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $15,199 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Brandeis University typically score between 1390-1520 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.
Brandeis 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.
Brandeis 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 Brandeis University, 62% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $42,841. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Brandeis University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,231, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Swarthmore College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA in a city: small setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.

