Skip to content

La Salle University vs Swarthmore College

La Salle University is a private university in Philadelphia, 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 97% at La Salle University. La Salle University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,409 a year against $23,149 at Swarthmore College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 58% at La Salle University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $67,416 for La Salle University.

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,953
1,613
Acceptance rate
97%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1268
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,409
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$48,337
$84,103
In-state tuition
$37,800
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$37,800
$65,494
Application fee
$500
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,545
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$17,393
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$20,557
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$21,263
$22,443
Over $110k
$27,190
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
58%
93%
Freshman retention
74%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,701
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,416
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
19%
First-generation students
37%
27%
International students
6%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
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 La Salle University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 97% at La Salle 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, La Salle University or Swarthmore College?
La Salle University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,409 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 La Salle University and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, La Salle University costs about $48,337 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, La Salle University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $16,545 at La Salle University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, La Salle University or Swarthmore College?
La Salle University is the larger of the two, with about 1,953 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does La Salle University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 58% at La Salle University.
Do graduates of La Salle 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 $67,416 for La Salle University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do La Salle University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
La Salle University 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 La Salle University and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1268 at La Salle University 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school