Chances of Getting Into Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania • Private University • #4 National • Founded 1864
Swarthmore Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Swarthmore SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is an intensely academic liberal arts college near Philadelphia known for its Honors Program and Quaker values. One of the few liberal arts colleges with an ABET-accredited engineering program, Swarthmore attracts students who are intellectually driven and socially conscious.
Top Programs
What Makes Swarthmore Unique
- External Honors Program with oral examinations by outside scholars
- One of few liberal arts colleges with accredited engineering
- Tri-College Consortium with Haverford and Bryn Mawr
- Quaker heritage emphasizing consensus and social responsibility
- The Scott Arboretum — entire 425-acre campus is a botanic garden
Swarthmore Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Swarthmore Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Swarthmore: Admission Tips
Swarthmore values intellectual passion over perfection — show genuine curiosity
ED1 acceptance rate is notably higher; strong option if Swarthmore is #1
Mention the Honors Program or Tri-Co opportunities in your essays
Social consciousness and community engagement resonate with admissions
Interviews are strongly recommended and evaluative
The Brutal Truth About Swarthmore Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 7% acceptance rate, Swarthmore rejected over 13,113 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Swarthmore, having a 3.93 GPA and 1505 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Swarthmore doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Swarthmore genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 7%-acceptance-rate basket.
Swarthmore Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 14,100+ applicants, approximately 420 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Swarthmore?
The average GPA of admitted students at Swarthmore College is 3.93. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.78, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Swarthmore?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Swarthmore students is 1450-1550. The average SAT score is 1505. For ACT, the range is 33-35 with an average of 34.
Is Swarthmore hard to get into?
Yes, Swarthmore College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 7%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Swarthmore cost?
Tuition at Swarthmore College is $62,850 per year, with total cost of attendance at $82,200. However, 54% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $58,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Swarthmore?
Your chances of getting into Swarthmore College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 7% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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