College Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Whitman College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Walla Walla, WA
Total Enrollment
1,623
1,561
Undergrad Enrollment
1,623
1,561
Student-Faculty Ratio
7:1
10:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
7.5%
38.1%
Average GPA
3.93
3.70
SAT Range
1490–1560
1310–1480
ACT Range
33–35
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$50
Total Applicants
13,065
7,243
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,236
$73,280
Avg Net Price
$18,686
$35,506
Tuition (In-State)
$58,928
$58,200
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,928
$58,200
Room & Board
$20,308
$15,080
% Receiving Aid
57.0%
94.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,634
$40,489
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
79.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
87.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$80,257
$67,589
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Explore by Location
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Whitman is in Walla Walla, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $35,506 at Whitman College. Swarthmore College is $16,820 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Whitman College, the typical SAT range is 1310-1480. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%, while Whitman College has a graduation rate of 89%. 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 Whitman College has a ratio of 10:1. 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 Whitman College, 94% of students receive aid with an average grant of $40,489.
The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, compared to $67,589 for Whitman College graduates. Graduates from Swarthmore College 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. Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, WA in a city: small setting.

