Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Swarthmore, Pennsylvania |
| Online | swarthmore.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Situated in the suburban community of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia, Swarthmore College occupies a 425-acre arboretum campus known for its distinctive stone buildings and wooded landscape. Founded by Quakers in 1864, the liberal arts college maintains highly selective admission standards and is recognized as one of the premier undergraduate institutions in the United States. The college operates on a four-course semester system and is particularly strong in engineering, social sciences, and biological sciences, offering students the unique opportunity to pursue an engineering degree within a liberal arts framework. Nearly all students live in college housing throughout their four years, residing in residence halls and converted Victorian-era homes spread across the campus, which features the Scott Arboretum's extensive collection of ornamental plants integrated throughout the grounds.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Swarthmore is rated within the top 9% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Swarthmore College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#41 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#41 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#3 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#13 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1460/1560 |
| ACT | 33/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.9 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 4, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $760 |
| Other Fees | $420 |
| Room and Board | $18,964 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,967 |
| Total One Year Cost | $84,103 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 29% |
| Biology | 11% |
| Foreign Languages | 8% |
| Psychology | 7% |
| English and Literature | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Swarthmore are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=216287 IPEDS survey data for Swarthmore College.
Current students may use the Swarthmore College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025