Swarthmore College vs Villanova University
Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA, and Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. Swarthmore College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 27% at Villanova University. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 92% at Villanova University. Ten years after enrolling, Villanova University alumni earn a median of about $100,423, 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 Swarthmore College or Villanova University harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 27% at Villanova 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 Villanova University?
- Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova 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 Villanova University?
- Before aid, Swarthmore College costs about $84,103 a year and Villanova University about $84,793. 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 Villanova University?
- Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $17,823 at Villanova University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Swarthmore College or Villanova University?
- Villanova University is the larger of the two, with about 6,938 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
- Does Swarthmore College or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
- Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 92% at Villanova University.
- Do graduates of Swarthmore College or Villanova University earn more?
- Villanova University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,423 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,257 for Swarthmore College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Swarthmore College and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Swarthmore College and Villanova University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College and 1395–1510 at Villanova University. 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.