College Comparison
St. Olaf 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
Northfield, MN
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
3,124
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
3,124
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
48.3%
7.5%
Average GPA
3.74
3.93
SAT Range
1300–1470
1490–1560
ACT Range
28–32
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$60
Total Applicants
6,623
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$68,280
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$22,752
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$54,650
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$54,650
$58,928
Room & Board
$13,630
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
100.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$45,098
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
82.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
92.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$65,543
$80,257
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Explore by Location
St. Olaf is in Northfield, MN
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at St. Olaf College is $22,752 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $4,066 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at St. Olaf College typically score between 1300-1470 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.
St. Olaf College has a graduation rate of 86%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
St. Olaf College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, 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 St. Olaf College, 100% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $45,098. At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for St. Olaf College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $65,543, 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.
St. Olaf College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.