College Comparison
Oberlin 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
Oberlin, OH
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
2,909
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
2,896
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
34.2%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.83
3.93
SAT Range
1360–1520
1490–1560
ACT Range
31–34
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$100
$60
Total Applicants
10,536
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,616
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$39,184
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$61,106
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,106
$58,928
Room & Board
$19,510
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
99.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$35,780
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
82.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
73.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
91.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$58,343
$80,257
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Oberlin is in Oberlin, OH
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Oberlin College is $39,184 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $20,498 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Oberlin College typically score between 1360-1520 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.
Oberlin College has a graduation rate of 82%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Oberlin 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 Oberlin College, 99% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $35,780. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Oberlin College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $58,343, 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.
Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, OH in a town: fringe setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.