Skip to content

University of Scranton vs Swarthmore College

University of Scranton is a private university in Scranton, 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 81% at University of Scranton. Swarthmore College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,149 a year against $32,568 at University of Scranton. About 93% of students graduate at Swarthmore College, compared with 80% at University of Scranton. Ten years after enrolling, Swarthmore College alumni earn a median of about $80,257, against $74,652 for University of Scranton.

University of Scranton

Scranton, PA · Private

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Scranton, PA
Swarthmore, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,554
1,613
Acceptance rate
81%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1318
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
33–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,568
$23,149
Full cost / yr
$69,552
$84,103
In-state tuition
$53,983
$65,494
Out-of-state tuition
$53,983
$65,494
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,896
$7,690
$30k - $48k
$23,407
$4,951
$48k - $75k
$23,912
$11,444
$75k - $110k
$29,482
$22,443
Over $110k
$39,348
$47,544
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
93%
Freshman retention
85%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,921
$56,211
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,652
$80,257
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
19%
First-generation students
20%
27%
International students
0%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 26
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 University of Scranton or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% of applicants, compared with 81% at University of Scranton. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Scranton or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,149 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,568 at University of Scranton. 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 University of Scranton and Swarthmore College?
Before aid, University of Scranton costs about $69,552 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, University of Scranton or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,690 there, against about $23,896 at University of Scranton. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Scranton or Swarthmore College?
University of Scranton is the larger of the two, with about 3,554 undergraduates against 1,613 at Swarthmore College.
Does University of Scranton or Swarthmore College have a better graduation rate?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 80% at University of Scranton.
Do graduates of University of Scranton or Swarthmore College earn more?
Swarthmore College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,257 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,652 for University of Scranton. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Scranton and Swarthmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Scranton considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Swarthmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Scranton and Swarthmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1318 at University of Scranton and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. 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.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school