College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Cornell University vs Swarthmore College

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
Swarthmore College
#28
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Swarthmore, PA

Total Enrollment

26,793

1,623

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

1,623

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

7.5%

Average GPA

4.00

3.93

SAT Range

1500–1570

1490–1560

ACT Range

33–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$60

Total Applicants

62,993

13,065


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$79,236

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$18,686

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$58,928

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$58,928

Room & Board

$19,428

$20,308

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

57.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$61,634


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

88.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

94.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$80,257

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%. This means Swarthmore College is more selective than Cornell University.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $13,651 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell University typically score between 1500-1570 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.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Cornell University 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 Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Cornell University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.