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DeSales University vs Swarthmore College

DeSales University is a private university in Center Valley, 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 77% at DeSales University. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $31,643 at DeSales University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 72% at DeSales University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $61,295 for DeSales University.

DeSales University

Center Valley, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Center Valley, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,128
1,613
Acceptance rate
77%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1260
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
27–28
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,643
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$62,745
$84,103
In-state tuition
$46,800
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$46,800
$65,494
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,007
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$25,400
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$26,096
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$29,982
$22,443
Over $110k
$34,878
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
72%
93%
Freshman retention
83%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,721
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,295
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$25,788
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
19%
First-generation students
30%
27%
International students
0%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
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 DeSales University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 77% at DeSales 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, DeSales University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,643 at DeSales 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 DeSales University and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, DeSales University costs about $62,745 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, DeSales University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $24,007 at DeSales University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, DeSales University or Swarthmore College?
DeSales University is the larger of the two, with about 2,128 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does DeSales University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 72% at DeSales University.
Do graduates of DeSales University or Swarthmore College earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,295 for DeSales University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do DeSales University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
DeSales University 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 DeSales University and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1090–1260 at DeSales University and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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