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Swarthmore College vs Washington & Jefferson College

Swarthmore College is a private college in Swarthmore, PA, and Washington & Jefferson College is a private college in Washington, PA. Swarthmore College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 81% at Washington & Jefferson College. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $25,002 at Washington & Jefferson College. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 70% at Washington & Jefferson College. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $67,918 for Washington & Jefferson College.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private

Washington & Jefferson College

Washington, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swarthmore, PA
Washington, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,613
1,295
Acceptance rate
7%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1560
1010–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
19–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,149
$25,002
Full cost / yr
$84,103
$42,972
In-state tuition
$65,494
$29,392
Out-of-state tuition
$65,494
$29,392
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,690
$15,265
$30k - $48k
$4,951
$13,958
$48k - $75k
$11,444
$18,975
$75k - $110k
$22,443
$32,322
Over $110k
$47,544
$29,655
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
70%
Freshman retention
94%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,211
$52,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,257
$67,918
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
31%
First-generation students
27%
22%
International students
13%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Dec 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 Washington & Jefferson College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 81% at Washington & Jefferson 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 Washington & Jefferson College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,002 at Washington & Jefferson 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 Washington & Jefferson College?
Before aid, Washington & Jefferson College costs about $42,972 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 Washington & Jefferson College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $15,265 at Washington & Jefferson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Swarthmore College or Washington & Jefferson College?
Swarthmore College is the larger of the two, with about 1,613 undergraduates against 1,295 at Washington & Jefferson College.
Does Swarthmore College or Washington & Jefferson College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 70% at Washington & Jefferson College.
Do graduates of Swarthmore College or Washington & Jefferson College earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,918 for Washington & Jefferson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Swarthmore College and Washington & Jefferson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washington & Jefferson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Swarthmore College and Washington & Jefferson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College and 1010–1250 at Washington & Jefferson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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