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Albright College vs Swarthmore College

Albright College is a private college in Reading, PA, and Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA. Swarthmore College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 76% at Albright College. Albright College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,024 a year against $23,149 at Swarthmore College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 47% at Albright College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $58,700 for Albright College.

Albright College

Reading, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Reading, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,217
1,613
Acceptance rate
76%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1200
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,024
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$43,711
$84,103
In-state tuition
$29,082
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$29,082
$65,494
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,345
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$16,892
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$19,741
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$21,355
$22,443
Over $110k
$24,947
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
93%
Freshman retention
62%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,391
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,700
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
50%
19%
First-generation students
36%
27%
International students
2%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Albright College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 76% at Albright College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Albright College or Swarthmore College?
Albright College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,024 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,149 at Swarthmore College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Albright College and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Albright College costs about $43,711 a year and Swarthmore College about $84,103. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Albright College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $16,345 at Albright College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Albright College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is the larger of the two, with about 1,613 undergraduates against 1,217 at Albright College.
Does Albright College or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 47% at Albright College.
Do graduates of Albright College or Swarthmore College earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,700 for Albright College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Albright College and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Albright College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Albright College and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1200 at Albright College and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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