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Swarthmore College vs Vanderbilt University

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

Swarthmore College
#28
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Private
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Swarthmore, PA

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

1,623

13,575

Undergrad Enrollment

1,623

7,221

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.5%

5.9%

Average GPA

3.93

3.93

SAT Range

1490–1560

1500–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$60

$50

Total Applicants

13,065

45,409


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,236

$80,184

Avg Net Price

$18,686

$19,040

Tuition (In-State)

$58,928

$58,130

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,928

$58,130

Room & Board

$20,308

$22,054

% Receiving Aid

57.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,634

$64,404


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,257

$91,565

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Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Vanderbilt University is more selective than Swarthmore College.

The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Swarthmore College is $354 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Vanderbilt University 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.

The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Vanderbilt University 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.