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Muhlenberg College vs Swarthmore College

Muhlenberg College is a private college in Allentown, 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 72% at Muhlenberg College. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $28,905 at Muhlenberg College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 81% at Muhlenberg College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $69,107 for Muhlenberg College.

Muhlenberg College

Allentown, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Allentown, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,727
1,613
Acceptance rate
72%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1250–1410
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,905
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$77,270
$84,103
In-state tuition
$62,805
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$62,805
$65,494
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,302
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$16,629
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$19,717
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$25,452
$22,443
Over $110k
$37,603
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
93%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,265
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,107
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$25,455
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
19%
First-generation students
16%
27%
International students
1%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 16
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 Muhlenberg College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 72% at Muhlenberg 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, Muhlenberg College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,905 at Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, Muhlenberg College costs about $77,270 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, Muhlenberg College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $12,302 at Muhlenberg College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Muhlenberg College or Swarthmore College?
Muhlenberg College is the larger of the two, with about 1,727 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Muhlenberg College or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 81% at Muhlenberg College.
Do graduates of Muhlenberg 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 $69,107 for Muhlenberg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Muhlenberg College and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1250–1410 at Muhlenberg College and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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