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Eastern University vs Swarthmore College

Eastern University is a private university in Saint Davids, 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 91% at Eastern University. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $26,662 at Eastern University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 55% at Eastern University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $51,655 for Eastern University.

Eastern University

Saint Davids, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Davids, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,404
1,613
Acceptance rate
91%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1190
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,662
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$55,001
$84,103
In-state tuition
$38,400
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$38,400
$65,494
Application fee
$40
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,557
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$22,232
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$23,373
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$25,963
$22,443
Over $110k
$32,353
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
93%
Freshman retention
65%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,580
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,655
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
19%
First-generation students
36%
27%
International students
4%
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 Eastern University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 91% at Eastern 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, Eastern University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,662 at Eastern 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 Eastern University and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Eastern University costs about $55,001 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, Eastern University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $26,557 at Eastern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Eastern University or Swarthmore College?
Eastern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,404 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Eastern University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 55% at Eastern University.
Do graduates of Eastern 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 $51,655 for Eastern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eastern University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Eastern 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 Eastern University and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1190 at Eastern University and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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