College Comparison
Colby College 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
Waterville, ME
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
2,412
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
2,412
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.1%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.90
3.93
SAT Range
1460–1550
1490–1560
ACT Range
32–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$60
Total Applicants
19,187
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,730
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$23,939
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$60,840
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$60,840
$58,928
Room & Board
$17,890
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
45.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$69,201
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
82.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$80,490
$80,257
More Comparisons
Compare Colby with...
View Colby profile →
Compare Swarthmore with...
View Swarthmore profile →
Explore by Location
Colby is in Waterville, ME
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Colby College is $23,939 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $5,253 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Colby College typically score between 1460-1550 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.
Colby College has a graduation rate of 87%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Colby College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, 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 Colby College, 45% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $69,201. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Colby College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,490, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Colby College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Colby College is located in Waterville, ME in a town: remote setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.