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Gettysburg College vs Swarthmore College

Gettysburg College is a private college in Gettysburg, PA. Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA. Swarthmore College admits about 7% of applicants and Gettysburg College about 39%, making Swarthmore College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,149 a year at Swarthmore College after aid, and about $31,490 at Gettysburg College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 83% at Gettysburg College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $71,517 for Gettysburg College.

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Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Gettysburg, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,099
1,613
Acceptance rate
39%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1460
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,490
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$81,960
$84,103
In-state tuition
$66,640
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$66,640
$65,494
Application fee
$60
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,625
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$13,184
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$21,261
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$28,822
$22,443
Over $110k
$44,863
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
93%
Freshman retention
91%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$57,274
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,517
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$26,999
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
19%
First-generation students
14%
27%
International students
14%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Gettysburg College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 39% at Gettysburg 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, Gettysburg College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,490 at Gettysburg 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 Gettysburg College and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Gettysburg College costs about $81,960 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, Gettysburg College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $13,625 at Gettysburg College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Gettysburg College or Swarthmore College?
Gettysburg College is the larger of the two, with about 2,099 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Gettysburg College or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 83% at Gettysburg College.
Do graduates of Gettysburg 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 $71,517 for Gettysburg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gettysburg College and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Gettysburg College 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 Gettysburg College and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1460 at Gettysburg 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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