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Gwynedd Mercy University vs Swarthmore College

Gwynedd Mercy University is a private university in Gwynedd Valley, PA. Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA. Swarthmore College admits about 7% of applicants and Gwynedd Mercy University about 90%, 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 $27,483 at Gwynedd Mercy University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 58% at Gwynedd Mercy University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $67,145 for Gwynedd Mercy University.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Gwynedd Valley, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,067
1,613
Acceptance rate
90%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1023–1186
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
18–21
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,483
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$55,786
$84,103
In-state tuition
$40,122
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$40,122
$65,494
Application fee
Not reported
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,995
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$20,617
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$22,269
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$27,992
$22,443
Over $110k
$32,456
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
58%
93%
Freshman retention
78%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,976
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,145
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
19%
First-generation students
44%
27%
International students
0%
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 Gwynedd Mercy University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 90% at Gwynedd Mercy 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, Gwynedd Mercy University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,483 at Gwynedd Mercy 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 Gwynedd Mercy University and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Gwynedd Mercy University costs about $55,786 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, Gwynedd Mercy University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $21,995 at Gwynedd Mercy University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Gwynedd Mercy University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is the larger of the two, with about 1,613 undergraduates against 1,067 at Gwynedd Mercy University.
Does Gwynedd Mercy University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 58% at Gwynedd Mercy University.
Do graduates of Gwynedd Mercy 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 $67,145 for Gwynedd Mercy University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Gwynedd Mercy University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Gwynedd Mercy 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 Gwynedd Mercy University and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1023–1186 at Gwynedd Mercy University and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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