Caldwell University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ with Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Caldwell University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Caldwell University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell University or Swarthmore? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Caldwell University than Swarthmore ($21,875 vs. $22,469).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 30.1% lower than at Swarthmore College ($14,188 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 60.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $24,646 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.3% higher at Swarthmore than at Caldwell University (about $24,646 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Swarthmore College (100% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 90.6% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($61,634 vs. $32,340).

Caldwell University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell University or Swarthmore? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Swarthmore and Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 280 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSwarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Caldwell University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell University and Swarthmore? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Swarthmore College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Swarthmore College earn a median of about $19,000 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,800 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $6,250 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($201 vs. $266).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.