Swarthmore College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Swarthmore College
Set on an arboretum-like campus, Swarthmore is known for curiosity shaped by Quaker-rooted values of reflection, service, and community. Classes run discussion-heavy, with strong footing in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Students find libraries, writing and tutoring centers, wellness care, advising, and well-equipped labs and studios.
Life here stays busy in the best way. A cappella and theater light up nights, activism keeps a thoughtful edge, and athletes share space with hikers on leafy paths and the outdoor amphitheater. The vibe is collaborative and down-to-earth, yet seriously academic. Career coaching, research, and an alumni network connect students to Philadelphia and beyond. The walkable town brings cafes and a co-op, and the train links to city arts, policy, and tech. Notable alumni include suffragist Alice Paul and philanthropist Eugene Lang.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Swarthmore College offers 56 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 599 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (9 programs, 134 graduates), Computer & IT (1 programs, 87 graduates), Biological Sciences (4 programs, 59 graduates), Mathematics (1 programs, 56 graduates) and Arts (8 programs, 43 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (9 programs, 134 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 78 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1301 |
| Medical Anthropology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0203 |
| Social Sciences | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.9999 |
| Political Science and Government | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1099 |
| Anthropology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0299 |
| Social Sciences | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
| Criminology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0401 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 87 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 87 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
Biological Sciences (4 programs, 59 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Neuroscience | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.1501 |
| Biochemistry | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biophysics | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0203 |
Mathematics (1 programs, 56 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 56 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
Arts (8 programs, 43 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art History and Conservation | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Studio Arts, General | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Film and Video Arts | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0699 |
| Theatre Arts | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Dance | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0301 |
| Music | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0799 |
| Art Studies | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
Languages (8 programs, 30 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linguistics | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0102 |
| French Language and Literature | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0901 |
| Russian Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0402 |
| Spanish Language and Literature | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| Japanese Language and Literature | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0302 |
| Comparative Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0104 |
| Ancient Greek Language and Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1202 |
| Latin Language and Literature | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1203 |
Engineering (1 programs, 29 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0101 |
Philosophy (3 programs, 28 graduates)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0101 |
| Religious Studies | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0201 |
| Islamic Studies | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
38.0205 |
Psychology (2 programs, 26 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2799 |
| Psychology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.9999 |
Physical Sciences (4 programs, 21 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0801 |
| Chemistry | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0501 |
| Astrophysics | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0202 |
| Chemical Physics | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
40.0508 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Swarthmore College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Swarthmore College
How much does it cost to attend Swarthmore College?
The annual tuition at Swarthmore College is $62,412 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $84,103 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,964 (on-campus) and books and supplies $760.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Swarthmore College offer?
Swarthmore College offers 56 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (9 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (4 programs)
- Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis (1 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (8 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has an 6.9% acceptance rate and a 41.8% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 14,287
- Students admitted: 992
- Students enrolled: 415
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $62,084 and average loans of $5,970.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,280
- State/Local grants: $4,446
- Institutional grants: $59,421
- Federal loans: $5,092
The university supports 230 students with grants and 35 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Swarthmore College graduates?
Swarthmore College graduates earn a median salary of $56,211 after 6 years and $80,257 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $50,812 (25th percentile) to $138,207 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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