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Harvard University vs Swarthmore College

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

Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
Swarthmore College
#28
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Cambridge, MA

Swarthmore, PA

Total Enrollment

30,259

1,623

Undergrad Enrollment

8,844

1,623

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

7.5%

Average GPA

4.00

3.93

SAT Range

1510–1580

1490–1560

ACT Range

34–36

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$85

$60

Total Applicants

54,008

13,065


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$73,849

$79,236

Avg Net Price

$16,816

$18,686

Tuition (In-State)

$52,659

$58,928

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$52,659

$58,928

Room & Board

$21,190

$20,308

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

57.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,015

$61,634


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

97.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

88.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

94.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$101,817

$80,257

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Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, while Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Swarthmore College.

The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Harvard University is $1,870 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Harvard University typically score between 1510-1580 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.

Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, 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 Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.

The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore College graduates. Graduates from Harvard University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.