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Swarthmore College vs University of Chicago

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

Swarthmore College
#28
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Private
University of Chicago
#12
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Swarthmore, PA

Chicago, IL

Total Enrollment

1,623

18,566

Undergrad Enrollment

1,623

7,598

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.5%

4.5%

Average GPA

3.93

4.00

SAT Range

1490–1560

1510–1580

ACT Range

33–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$60

$75

Total Applicants

13,065

43,612


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,236

$81,288

Avg Net Price

$18,686

$18,967

Tuition (In-State)

$58,928

$61,179

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,928

$61,179

Room & Board

$20,308

$20,109

% Receiving Aid

57.0%

47.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,634

$62,300


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

91.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,257

$91,885

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Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

Chicago is in Chicago, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $18,967 at University of Chicago. Swarthmore College is $281 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At University of Chicago, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while University of Chicago has a ratio of 5:1. University of Chicago offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,634. At University of Chicago, 47% of students receive aid with an average grant of $62,300.

The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, compared to $91,885 for University of Chicago graduates. Graduates from University of Chicago tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting. University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL in a city: large setting.