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Gannon University vs Swarthmore College

Gannon University is a private university in Erie, 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 74% at Gannon University. Gannon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,553 a year against $23,149 at Swarthmore College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 68% at Gannon University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $58,845 for Gannon University.

Gannon University

Erie, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Erie, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,365
1,613
Acceptance rate
74%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1250
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,553
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$52,869
$84,103
In-state tuition
$40,656
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$40,656
$65,494
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,489
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$15,945
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$20,352
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$23,354
$22,443
Over $110k
$25,445
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
93%
Freshman retention
76%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,319
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,845
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
19%
First-generation students
26%
27%
International students
18%
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 Gannon University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 74% at Gannon 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, Gannon University or Swarthmore College?
Gannon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,553 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 Gannon University and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Gannon University costs about $52,869 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, Gannon University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $18,489 at Gannon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Gannon University or Swarthmore College?
Gannon University is the larger of the two, with about 2,365 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Gannon University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 68% at Gannon University.
Do graduates of Gannon 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 $58,845 for Gannon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gannon University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Gannon 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 Gannon University and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1250 at Gannon University and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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