Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Swarthmore College, founded in 1864, is a private, liberal arts college. It has an exceptionally accessible faculty. Students may work with them on research and independent projects. Swarthmore's engineering program is highly rated, particularly for a top liberal arts college. The campus is extraordinarily beautiful and safe. Students are serious and enthusiastic about their studies but are not competitive. They serve on major committees of the college, alongside senior administrators, faculty and staff. Its 357-acre campus is located in Swarthmore, 10 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
Website: www.swarthmore.edu/
Admission
- Entrance Difficulty
- Most difficult
- Overall Admission Rate
- 11% of 9,382 applicants were admitted
- Early Action Offered
- Early Decision Offered
- Regular Admission Deadline
- January 1
Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen
- Average GPA
- Not reported
- SAT Math
- 690-780 range of middle 50%
- SAT EBRW
- 690-760 range of middle 50%
- ACT Composite
- 32 average
31-34 range of middle 50%
Money Matters
- Cost of Attendance
- $70,762
- Tuition and Fees
- $52,588
- Room and Board
- $15,474
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 100%
- Average Freshman Award
- $55,074
- Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
- $22,060
Academics
- Academic Calendar System
- Semester
- General Education/Core Curriculum
- Required for most or all students
- Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
- 194
- Regular Class Size
- 2-9 students: 35% of classes
10-19 students: 39% of classes
20-29 students: 14% of classes
30-39 students: 7% of classes
40-49 students: 3% of classes
50-99 students: 3% of classes
Over 100 students: 0% of classes
Campus Life
- Swarthmore Population
- 6,190
- Nearest Metropolitan Area
- Philadelphia
- Freshman Housing Guarantee
- Freshmen are guaranteed housing
- Students in College Housing
- 96% of all students
- Athletic Conferences
- NCAA Division III
- Mascot
- Sororities
- 4.6% of women participate
- Fraternities
- 11% of men participate
Students
- Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
- 0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
19.0% Asian
8.2% Black/African-American
14.0% Hispanic/Latino
8.1% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
46.7% White
3.7% Unknown - International Students
- 12.7%
- First-Year Students Returning
- 97.8%
- Students Graduating Within 4 Years
- 88.9%
- Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
- Not reported
- Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
- Not reported
Freshman Admission Requirements
Entrance Difficulty
Most Difficult: More than 75% of freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1310 on the SAT I or over 29 on the ACT; about 30% or fewer of all applicants accepted.
High School Preparation
- High School Graduation
- High school diploma or equivalent is not required
- High School Program
High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject | Required Units | Recommended Units |
---|---|---|
English | 4 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Science | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 3 | |
Social Studies | 3 | |
History | 3 | |
Academic Electives |
Examinations
Exam | Required Units | Scores Due in Admissions Office |
---|---|---|
SAT or ACT | Required | Not reported |
SAT Only | ||
ACT Only | ||
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT | ||
SAT Subject Tests Only | Considered if submitted | |
SAT Essay Component Policy | Accepted with or without essay component | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | Accepted with or without writing component | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | SAT: Not used ACT: Not used |
Applying for Admission
Admissions Office
- Address
- 500 College Avenue
- City, State, Zip
- Swarthmore, PA 19081-1397
- Phone
- (610) 328-8300
- Fax
- (610) 328-8673
- admissions@swarthmore.edu
Application Dates and Fees
- Regular Admisson Deadline
- January 1
- Application Fee
- $60
- Application Fee Waiver
- Available
- Regular Admission Notification
- April 1
- Accept Offer of Admission
- May 1
- Waiting List Used
- Defer Admission
- Student can defer admission
- Transfer Admission
- Transfer applications accepted
Early Admission
- Early Decision Offered
- Early Decision Deadline
- November 15, January 1
- Early Decision Notification
- December 15, February 1
- Early Action Offered
- Early Action Deadline
- Early Action Notification
Application Form
- Common Application
- Accepted
- Universal College Application
- Not accepted
- Electronic Application
- Available
Other Application Requirements
- Interview
- Not Required
- Essay or Personal Statement
- Required for all freshmen
- Letters of Recommendation
- 3 required for all freshmen
- Other
- Financial Need
- Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process
Selection of Students
Factor | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rigor of Secondary School Record | X | |||
Academic GPA | X | |||
Standardized Tests | X | |||
Class Rank | X | |||
Recommendations | X | |||
Essay | X | |||
Interview | X | |||
Level of Applicant's Interest | X | |||
Extracurricular Activities | X | |||
Volunteer Work | X | |||
Particular Talent/Ability | X | |||
Character/Personal Qualities | X | |||
First Generation to Attend College | X | |||
State Residency | X | |||
Geographic Residence | X | |||
Relation with Alumnus | X | |||
Religious Affiliation/Commitment | X | |||
Ethnicity | X | |||
Work Experience | X |
Profile of Fall Admission
- Overall Admission Rate
- 11% of 9,382 applicants were admitted
- Women
- 9% of 5,474 applicants were admitted
- Men
- 13% of 3,908 applicants were admitted
- Students Enrolled
- 416 (41%) of 1,004 admitted students enrolled
- Women
- 198 (38%) of 515 admitted students enrolled
- Men
- 194 (40%) of 489 admitted students enrolled
- Early Decision Admission Rate
- 28% of 712 applicants were admitted
- Early Action Admission Rate
- Students Offered Wait List
- Students Accepting Wait List Position
- Students Admitted From Wait List
Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)
- Average GPA
- Not reported
- 3.75 and Above
- Not reported
- 3.50 - 3.74
- Not reported
- 3.25 - 3.49
- Not reported
- 3.00 - 3.24
- Not reported
- 2.50 - 2.99
- Not reported
- 2.00 - 2.49
- Not reported
SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
- SAT Math
- 690-780 range of middle 50%
- Score of 700 - 800
- 73%
- Score of 600 - 700
- 25%
- Score of 500 - 600
- 2%
- Score of 400 - 500
- 0%
- Score of 300 - 400
- 0%
- Score of 200 - 300
- 0%
- SAT EBRW
- 690-760 range of middle 50%
- Score of 700 - 800
- 71%
- Score of 600 - 700
- 28%
- Score of 500 - 600
- 1%
- Score of 400 - 500
- 0%
- Score of 300 - 400
- 0%
- Score of 200 - 300
- 0%
ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
- ACT Composite
- 32 average
31-34 range of middle 50% - Score of 30 - 36
- 86%
- Score of 24 - 29
- 14%
- Score of 18 - 23
- 0%
- Score of 12 - 17
- 0%
- Score of 6 - 11
- 0%
- Score of 5 or Below
- 0%
Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen
- High School Class Rank
- Top tenth: 91%
Top quarter: 99%
Top half: 100% - National Merit Scholar
- Not reported
- Valedictorian
- Not reported
- Class President
- Not reported
- Student Government Officer
- Not reported
Tuition and Expenses
- Cost of Attendance
- $70,762
- Tuition and Fees
- $52,588
- Room and Board
- $15,474
- Books and Supplies
- $1,360
- Other Expenses
- $1,340
- Payment Plans
- Installment plan
Applying for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
- Web Site
- Financial Aid Web Site
- Net Price Calculator URL
- Net Price Calculator URL
Application Process
- Application Deadline
- January 1
- Award Notification
- On or about April 1
- Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
- Institutional Methodology
Forms Required | Cost to File |
---|---|
FAFSA Code is 003370 |
Free |
CSS/Financial Aid Profile | $25 for first college, $16 each additional |
Noncustodial (Divorced/Separated) Parent's Statement |
Profile of 2018 - 19 Financial Aid
Freshman
- Financial Aid Applicants
- 282 (67.1%) of freshmen
- Found to Have Financial Need
- 229 (83.3%) of applicants
- Received Financial Aid
- 229 (100.0%) of applicants with financial need
- Need Fully Met
- 229 (100.0%) of aid recipients
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 100%
- Average Award
- $55,074
- Need-Based Gift
- Received by 229 (100.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $53,395
- Need-Based Self-Help
- Received by 222 (97.7%) of aid recipients, average amount $1,679
- Merit-Based Gift
- Not reported
- Merit-Based Gift
- 5 (1.0%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $43,252
All Undergraduates
- Financial Aid Applicants
- 998 (60.2%) of undergraduates
- Found to Have Financial Need
- 906 (90.8%) of applicants
- Received Financial Aid
- 906 (100.0%) of applicants with financial need
- Need Fully Met
- 906 (100.0%) of aid recipients
- Average Percent of Need Met
- 100%
- Average Award
- $52,814
- Need-Based Gift
- Received by 906 (100.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $51,079
- Need-Based Self-Help
- Received by 885 (98.3%) of aid recipients, average amount $1,735
- Merit-Based Gift
- Not reported
- Merit-Based Gift
- 18 (1.0%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $49,707
Borrowing
- 2018 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
- 24%
- Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
- $22,060
- Parents of Students Receiving Aid
- Not reported
- Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
- 5.0%
Financial Aid Programs
Loans
- Federal Loans
- Direct subsidized Stafford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford loans, direct PLUS loans
- State Loans
- Other Loans
- College/university loans
Scholarships and Grants
- Need-Based Available
- Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
- Non-Need–Based Available
- Special characteristics (minority, religious affiliation, other scholarships)
Non-Need Awards
- Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
- Not reported
- Number of Awards
- Not reported
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
- Not reported
- Number of Awards
- Not reported
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
- Not reported
- Number of Awards
- Not reported
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
- Special Characteristics Award Areas
- Local/State Students
- Number of Awards
- 19
- Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
Employment
- Work-Study Programs
- Federal work study available, other work study available
- Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
- $2,026
- Academic Calendar System
- Semester
- Summer Session
- Not reported
- General Catalog/Bulletin
- Online Catalog
Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Majors
- African-American/Black Studies
- Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
- Asian Studies/Civilization
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
- Chemical Physics
- Chemistry, General
- Chinese Language and Literature
- Classical, Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
- Comparative Literature
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Dance, General
- Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
- Economics, General
- Education, Other
- Engineering, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other
- Fine/Studio Arts, General
- French Language and Literature
- German Language and Literature
- History, General
- Islamic Studies
- Japanese Language and Literature
- Latin American Studies
- Latin Language and Literature
- Linguistics
- Mathematics, General
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Music, General
- Near and Middle Eastern Studies
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Philosophy
- Physics, General
- Physiological Psychology/Psychobiology
- Political Science and Government, General
- Psychology, General
- Psychology, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Russian Language and Literature
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Spanish Language and Literature
- Women's Studies
- Most Popular Disciplines
- Social sciences, Biological/life sciences, Computer and information sciences
- Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
- None
- Special Programs
- Accelerated program, Student-designed major, Double major, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad
- Study Abroad
- Offered
- Online Degrees
- Not reported
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
- General Education/Core Curriculum
- Required for most or all students
- Computer
- Not reported
- Foreign Language
- Required
- Math/Science
- Required for all students
Faculty and Instruction
- Full-Time Faculty
- 194
- Part-Time Faculty
- 31
- Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
- 85%
- Regular Class Size
- 2-9 students: 35% of classes
10-19 students: 39% of classes
20-29 students: 14% of classes
30-39 students: 7% of classes
40-49 students: 3% of classes
50-99 students: 3% of classes
Over 100 students: 0% of classes - Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
- 2-9 students: 35% of discussion sections/labs
10-19 students: 39% of discussion sections/labs
20-29 students: 14% of discussion sections/labs
30-39 students: 7% of discussion sections/labs
40-49 students: 3% of discussion sections/labs
50-59 students: 3% of discussion sections/labs
Advanced Placement
- International Baccalaureate
- Not reported
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Sophomore Standing
- Not reported
Academic Resources
- Library Available on Campus
- Yes
- Holdings
- Computer Ownership
- Not reported
- Computers Available on Campus
- Not Reported
- Internet/E-mail Access
- Not reported
Academic Support Services
- Remedial Instruction
- Not Offered
- Tutoring
- Available
- Services for Learning Disabled Students
- Available
- Services for Physically Disabled Students
- Hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access
Graduate/Professional School Education
Master's Degrees Offered
Not reported
Master's Programs of Study
- Not reported
Doctoral Degrees Offered
Not reported
Doctoral Programs of Study
- Not reported
Location and Setting
- Swarthmore Population
- 6,190
- Nearest Metropolitan Area
- Philadelphia
- Campus Size
- 425 acres
Weather
- Temperature
- 22.8 average low in January, 81.7 average high in September
- Rain
- 117 rainy days per year
Getting Around
- Campus Map
- Map
- Nearest Bus Station
- 15 mile(s) from campus in Philadelphia
- Nearest Train Station
- Swarthmore
Housing
- College Housing
- College offers housing to students
- Types of Housing
- Men only housing, women only housing, coed housing, disabled student housing
- Students in College Housing
- 96% of all students
- Housing Requirements
- Freshmen are required to live on campus
- Freshman Housing Guarantee
- Freshmen are guaranteed housing
- Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
- 4%
- Off-Campus Housing Assistance
- Assistance in locating off-campus housing is available
Security
- 24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
- Available
- 24-Hour Security Patrols
- Available
- Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
- Available
- Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
- Not available
- Other
Personal Support Services
- Health Service
- Offered
- Personal Counseling
- Offered
- Child Care
- Not offered
Sports and Recreation
Intercollegiate Athletics
- Athletic Conferences
- NCAA Division III
- Mascot
- School Colors
- Garnet, gray, and white
Intercollegiate Sports Offered
Sports | Women | Men | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Offered | Scholarships | Offered | Scholarships | |
Badminton | x | |||
Baseball | x | |||
Basketball | x | x | ||
Cross-Country Running | x | x | ||
Field Hockey | x | |||
Golf | x | |||
Lacrosse | x | x | ||
Soccer | x | x | ||
Softball | x | |||
Swimming And Diving | x | x | ||
Tennis | x | x | ||
Track And Field | x | x | ||
Volleyball | x |
Women's Sports | Offered | Scholarships |
---|---|---|
Badminton | x | |
Baseball | ||
Basketball | x | |
Cross-Country Running | x | |
Field Hockey | x | |
Golf | ||
Lacrosse | x | |
Soccer | x | |
Softball | x | |
Swimming And Diving | x | |
Tennis | x | |
Track And Field | x | |
Volleyball | x |
Mens's Sports | Offered | Scholarships |
---|---|---|
Badminton | ||
Baseball | x | |
Basketball | x | |
Cross-Country Running | x | |
Field Hockey | ||
Golf | x | |
Lacrosse | x | |
Soccer | x | |
Softball | ||
Swimming And Diving | x | |
Tennis | x | |
Track And Field | x | |
Volleyball |
- Women's Club Sports
- fencing, ice hockey, rugby, squash, ultimate Frisbee, water polo
- Men's Club Sports
- badminton, fencing, ice hockey, rugby, squash, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, water polo
Recreational Sports
- Intramural Sports
- basketball, football, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball
Student Activities
- Activities and Organizations
- choral groups, drama theatre, radio station, student newspaper, national fraternities, national sororities, boy meets tractor (sketch comedy troupe), rhythm n' motion (performing dance styles of the african diaspora), multi (community for people who self-identify as multiracial, multiethnic, multicultural, and/or multireligious), mixed company (a cappella group)
- Sororities
- 4.6% of women participate
- Fraternities
- 11% of men participate
- ROTC
- Army ROTC is offered off campus, Navy ROTC is offered off campus, Air Force ROTC offered off campus
Student Body
- Coeducational
- Yes
- All Undergraduates
- 1,641
- Women
- 832 (50.7%)
- Men
- 809 (49.3%)
- Full-Time Undergraduates
- 1,637
- Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
- 0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
19.0% Asian
8.2% Black/African-American
14.0% Hispanic/Latino
8.1% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
46.7% White
3.7% Unknown - International Students.
- 12.7%
- Average Age
- 20
- All Graduate Students
- Not reported
Undergraduate Retention and Graduation
- First-Year Students Returning
- 97.8%
- Students Graduating Within 4 Years
- 88.9%
- Students Graduating Within 5 Years
- 92.2%
- Students Graduating Within 6 Years
- 94.0%
After Graduation
- Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
- Not reported
- Average Starting Salary
- Not reported
- Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
- Not reported
- Disciplines Pursued
- Engineering 1%
Law 3%
Arts and Sciences 13%
Medicine 3%
Other 1%
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