Lehigh University vs Swarthmore College
Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, 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 26% at Lehigh University. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 89% at Lehigh University. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $80,257 for Swarthmore College.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Lehigh University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 26% at Lehigh 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, Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
- Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,931 at Lehigh 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 Lehigh University and Swarthmore College?
- Before aid, Lehigh University costs about $80,856 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, Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
- Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $16,917 at Lehigh University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
- Lehigh University is the larger of the two, with about 5,898 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
- Does Lehigh University or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
- Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 89% at Lehigh University.
- Do graduates of Lehigh University or Swarthmore College earn more?
- Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,257 for Swarthmore College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lehigh University and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lehigh 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 Lehigh University and Swarthmore College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1370–1500 at Lehigh 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.