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Swarthmore, PA · Private · Small · Suburban
3.3x the Regular Decision rate
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolling students
How much the school says contact matters
Deadlines, fees, testing policy, and recommendation requirements come from the Common App 2026-2027 First-Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements file published August 28, 2026. Schools can still change a date after publication, so confirm anything you are close to with the school.
Rated Very important in the 2024-2025 Common Data Set this school published.
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolled students
Of enrolled students
Reported by the school to IPEDS for fall 2023 admission.
Sticker figures. What a family actually pays depends on income and aid, which is what the financial aid tools are for.
| Major | Degrees | Graduates here | Same major nationally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 76 | $136,021 | $82,686 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 73 | $153,172 | $92,374 |
| Mathematics | 49 | $143,223 | $69,562 |
| Political Science and Government | 37 | $78,204 | $63,293 |
| Engineering, General | 33 | - | $89,359 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 29 | - | $55,695 |
| Biology, General | 20 | $69,485 | $57,214 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 18 | - | $62,451 |
Average net price paid by aided students in each family income band, after grants and scholarships. Usually far below the sticker price above.
Sources: this school's published Common Data Set, the Common App 2026-2027 member requirements file, and federal cost and outcomes data. See how our data works, or read the complete manual.
Add your GPA and test scores in Settings to see your estimated chances at Swarthmore College.
Strong scores still help. Submit if you are at or above their middle 50%.
Common App personal statement (650 words) + 4 supplementals
Heavy supplemental load - start early.
For exact prompts, check the school's admissions page or the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
1 counselor + 2 teacher recommendations required
When recommended, treat as required. Sign up early - alumni interview slots fill fast.
This school does not consider interest. Don't burn time on it - focus on the application itself.
$60
Fee waivers available if you qualify (Common App fee waiver, school waiver, or counselor request).
If a parent attended, mention it on the application. Some schools have ended this practice - verify with current admissions guidance.
Sticker price means almost nothing. Swarthmore College's Net Price Calculator estimates what you'll actually pay after merit and need-based aid. Takes 10 minutes; needs household income and assets, plus a few academic numbers.
Open Swarthmore College's Net Price CalculatorRead from Swarthmore College's own admissions page on 2026-08-30 for the 2026-2027 cycle (source). Schools can still revise a prompt after publishing, so confirm before you submit.
Both questions are required, 250 words each.
Self-identity and background
Required250 words“What aspects of your self-identity or personal background are most significant to you? Reflecting on the elements of your home, school, or other communities that have shaped your life, explain how you have grown in your ability to navigate differences when engaging with others, or demonstrated your ability to collaborate in communities other than your own.”
Start essay with this prompt →A topic that fascinates you
Required250 words“Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently, either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring?”
Start essay with this prompt →Last verified 2026-08-30 · Cycle 2026-2027 · For the current cycle, double-check the school's admissions writing page.
This school explicitly does not consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions. Don't spend time visiting, opening every email, or following on social purely for admissions. Those things won't move the needle here.
Where to spend time instead: the application itself. Strong essays, tight activities list, recommendations from teachers who know you well.
Research University
Yes
Co-op / Internship
Limited
Est. Net Price (You)
$65,494
Based on "none" need
Sticker tuition
$65,494
Before aid
Total Estimated 4-Year Cost
$261,976
Out-of-state pricing with estimated aid
Greek Life
No
Study Abroad
43%
Religious Affiliation
None
Debt-to-Income
21.8%
Average debt against 10-year earnings
Est. 10-Year ROI
$540,594
(10yr earnings x 10) - 4yr cost
Applying Early Decision would give you a 3.3x advantage (23% ED vs 7% RD).
This school gives legacy preference. If a parent or grandparent attended, highlight it.
This school is test-optional. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
Deadline (ED: November 15, 2026) / RD: January 4, 2027
113 days remaining (RD)
Application Platform: Common App
Supplemental Essays: 4
Interview: Recommended
Recommendation letters needed
Test optional
Get candid student reviews, rankings, and additional data from these sources:
Data from US Department of Education College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and institutional disclosures.
| English Language and Literature, General | 17 | - | $48,590 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 16 | - | $46,959 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 16 | - | $41,367 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | 15 | - | $55,012 |
Median earnings of this school's graduates in each major, roughly five years out, beside the national median for the same major.