Bucknell University vs Swarthmore College
Bucknell University is a private university in Lewisburg, 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 29% at Bucknell University. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $40,766 at Bucknell University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 86% at Bucknell University. Ten years after enrolling, Bucknell University alumni earn a median of about $93,807, against $80,257 for Swarthmore College.
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- Is Bucknell University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 29% at Bucknell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Bucknell University or Swarthmore College?
- Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,766 at Bucknell University. 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 Bucknell University and Swarthmore College?
- Before aid, Bucknell University costs about $83,756 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, Bucknell University or Swarthmore College?
- Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $20,980 at Bucknell University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Bucknell University or Swarthmore College?
- Bucknell University is the larger of the two, with about 3,876 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
- Does Bucknell University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
- Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 86% at Bucknell University.
- Do graduates of Bucknell University or Swarthmore College earn more?
- Bucknell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $93,807 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,257 for Swarthmore College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Bucknell University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Bucknell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Bucknell University and Swarthmore College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1470 at Bucknell University and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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