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Swarthmore College vs Ursinus College

Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA. Ursinus College is a private college in Collegeville, PA. Swarthmore College admits about 7% of applicants and Ursinus College about 92%, 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 $30,536 at Ursinus College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 75% at Ursinus College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $73,721 for Ursinus College.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private

Ursinus College

Collegeville, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Collegeville, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,613
1,491
Acceptance rate
7%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1560
1200–1385
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,149
$30,536
Full cost / yr
$84,103
$76,815
In-state tuition
$65,494
$61,210
Out-of-state tuition
$65,494
$61,210
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,690
$20,622
$30k - $48k
$4,951
$24,154
$48k - $75k
$11,444
$28,815
$75k - $110k
$22,443
$31,326
Over $110k
$47,544
$33,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
75%
Freshman retention
94%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,211
$54,542
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,257
$73,721
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
20%
First-generation students
27%
19%
International students
13%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Dec 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 10
Regular decision
Jan 4
Apr 1

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 Ursinus College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 92% at Ursinus 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, Swarthmore College or Ursinus College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,536 at Ursinus 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 Swarthmore College and Ursinus College?
Before aid, Ursinus College costs about $76,815 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 Ursinus College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $20,622 at Ursinus College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Swarthmore College or Ursinus College?
Swarthmore College is the larger of the two, with about 1,613 undergraduates against 1,491 at Ursinus College.
Does Swarthmore College or Ursinus College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 75% at Ursinus College.
Do graduates of Swarthmore College or Ursinus College earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $73,721 for Ursinus College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Swarthmore College and Ursinus College require SAT or ACT scores?
Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ursinus College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Swarthmore College and Ursinus College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College and 1200–1385 at Ursinus College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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