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Swarthmore College vs Thomas Jefferson University

Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA. Thomas Jefferson University is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. Swarthmore College admits about 7% of applicants and Thomas Jefferson University about 81%, 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 $28,928 at Thomas Jefferson University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 68% at Thomas Jefferson University. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $77,449 for Thomas Jefferson University.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,613
3,755
Acceptance rate
7%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1560
1160–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,149
$28,928
Full cost / yr
$84,103
$64,197
In-state tuition
$65,494
$47,505
Out-of-state tuition
$65,494
$47,505
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,690
$22,537
$30k - $48k
$4,951
$24,407
$48k - $75k
$11,444
$24,680
$75k - $110k
$22,443
$29,734
Over $110k
$47,544
$34,889
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
68%
Freshman retention
94%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,211
$64,335
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,257
$77,449
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$14,744
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
37%
First-generation students
27%
33%
International students
13%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jul 31

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 Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 81% at Thomas Jefferson 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, Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,928 at Thomas Jefferson 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 Swarthmore College and Thomas Jefferson University?
Before aid, Thomas Jefferson University costs about $64,197 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, Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $22,537 at Thomas Jefferson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University?
Thomas Jefferson University is the larger of the two, with about 3,755 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 68% at Thomas Jefferson University.
Do graduates of Swarthmore College or Thomas Jefferson University earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,449 for Thomas Jefferson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Swarthmore College and Thomas Jefferson University require SAT or ACT scores?
Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Thomas Jefferson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Swarthmore College and Thomas Jefferson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College and 1160–1330 at Thomas Jefferson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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