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Haverford College vs Swarthmore College

Haverford College is a private college in Haverford, 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 12% at Haverford College. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $25,314 at Haverford College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 90% at Haverford College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $79,966 for Haverford College.

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Haverford College

Haverford, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Haverford, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,430
1,613
Acceptance rate
12%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1460–1550
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,314
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$90,382
$84,103
In-state tuition
$70,688
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$70,688
$65,494
Application fee
$65
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,531
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$9,388
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$12,007
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$18,171
$22,443
Over $110k
$45,991
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
93%
Freshman retention
94%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,353
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,966
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$13,621
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
19%
First-generation students
16%
27%
International students
11%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
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 Haverford College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 12% at Haverford 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, Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,314 at Haverford 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 Haverford College and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Swarthmore College costs about $84,103 a year and Haverford College about $90,382. 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, Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Haverford College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,531 there, against about $7,690 at Swarthmore College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is the larger of the two, with about 1,613 undergraduates against 1,430 at Haverford College.
Does Haverford College or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 90% at Haverford College.
Do graduates of Haverford 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 $79,966 for Haverford College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Haverford College and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Haverford 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 Haverford College and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1460–1550 at Haverford 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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