College Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
1,623
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
1,623
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
7:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.5%
12.1%
Average GPA
3.93
3.96
SAT Range
1490–1560
1500–1570
ACT Range
33–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$75
Total Applicants
13,065
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,236
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$18,686
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$58,928
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,928
$59,420
Room & Board
$20,308
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
57.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,634
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$80,257
$86,182
More Comparisons
Compare Swarthmore with...
View Swarthmore profile →
Compare Washington in St Louis with...
View Washington in St Louis profile →
Explore by Location
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Swarthmore College is $3,431 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, 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 Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.