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Elizabethtown College vs Swarthmore College

Elizabethtown College is a private college in Elizabethtown, 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 78% at Elizabethtown College. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $26,598 at Elizabethtown College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 77% at Elizabethtown College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $62,399 for Elizabethtown College.

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Elizabethtown, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,868
1,613
Acceptance rate
78%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1105–1310
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,598
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$50,865
$84,103
In-state tuition
$37,950
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$37,950
$65,494
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,776
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$17,113
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$20,967
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$25,064
$22,443
Over $110k
$31,198
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
93%
Freshman retention
84%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,833
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,399
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
19%
First-generation students
30%
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 Elizabethtown College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 78% at Elizabethtown 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, Elizabethtown College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,598 at Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown College and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Elizabethtown College costs about $50,865 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, Elizabethtown College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $17,776 at Elizabethtown College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Elizabethtown College or Swarthmore College?
Elizabethtown College is the larger of the two, with about 1,868 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Elizabethtown College or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 77% at Elizabethtown College.
Do graduates of Elizabethtown 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 $62,399 for Elizabethtown College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elizabethtown College and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Elizabethtown College 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 Elizabethtown College and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1105–1310 at Elizabethtown 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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