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Swarthmore College vs University of Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Swarthmore, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

1,623

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

1,623

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.5%

5.4%

Average GPA

3.93

3.96

SAT Range

1490–1560

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$60

$75

Total Applicants

13,065

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,236

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$18,686

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$58,928

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,928

$56,212

Room & Board

$20,308

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

57.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,634

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,257

$111,371

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Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Penn is more selective than Swarthmore College.

The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Swarthmore College is $12,543 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Swarthmore College 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 Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, compared to $111,371 for Penn graduates. Graduates from Penn 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. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.