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Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA·Private·~7% acceptance

Swarthmore College is a private college based in Swarthmore, PA. With an acceptance rate of about 7%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $23,149 per year after financial aid. About 93% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$23,149/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $84,103
Aid cuts ~$60,954/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 15
EA
RD
Jan 4

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

Blueprint scores how well Swarthmore College matches your grades, budget, and preferences. New to Blueprint? Start with the Discovery quiz to find your best-fit majors first.

Admissions
GPA range3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)33–35
Test policyTest optional
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
93%
graduation rate
94%
freshman retention
$56,211
median earnings, 6yr
$80,257
median earnings, 10yr
How Swarthmore College reads an application

What Swarthmore College values

Very important
Course rigorGrades (GPA)Class rankApplication essaysRecommendationsCharacter / personal qualities
Also considered
Test scoresInterviewExtracurricularsTalent / abilityFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Geographic residenceState residencyReligious commitmentVolunteer workWork experience

From Swarthmore College’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Swarthmore College requires

Required
Course rigorRecommendationsApplication essays
Considered
Grades (GPA)Class rankCollege-prep programTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)TOEFL / English proficiency

From federal IPEDS data — what Swarthmore College requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Swarthmore College's acceptance rate?
Swarthmore College admits about 7% of applicants.
How much does Swarthmore College cost?
At Swarthmore College, the average net price after aid is about $23,149 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $84,103 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Swarthmore College?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1560 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT.
What are Swarthmore College's application deadlines?
Swarthmore College's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 15, Regular Decision around Jan 4. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Swarthmore College value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Swarthmore College rates Course rigor, Grades (GPA), Class rank, Application essays, Recommendations, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Swarthmore College is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Swarthmore College, side by side with your other schools.