Swarthmore College

Overview

Swarthmore College, established in 1864, is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, just 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, the college provides a diverse curriculum with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. Its bucolic 425-acre campus is distinguished by an arboretum and notable stone collegiate Gothic architectural structures. It enrolls a small student body and maintains a highly selective admissions process, seeking students who demonstrate exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. Swarthmore is particularly known for its Honors Program, which models the tutorial style of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. The college ensures on-campus housing for all students throughout their four years, fostering a close-knit living and learning environment. While not a driving force of campus life, Swarthmore does offer athletic programs as a member of the NCAA Division III, with teams known as the Swarthmore Garnet, though it is not principally recognized for its athletic pursuits.

In the most recent statistical year 14,707 prospective students applied, and 1,019 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 433 enrolled in the school.  1,625 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $58,928 plus fees of $400. Swarthmore is ranked 40 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.