by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Swarthmore worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Swarthmore is ranked #1,524 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #31 of 168 for value.
Among the majors Swarthmore offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Sociology & Anthropology | #2 of 15 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #2 of 15 |
| Engineering | #19 of 70 |
| Neurosciences | #45 of 174 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | #48 of 179 |
| Biology | #48 of 179 |
| Biochemistry | #94 of 237 |
| Economics | #103 of 304 |
| General Economics | #103 of 304 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology | #104 of 273 |
Below is the detailed Swarthmore value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Swarthmore College is ranked #10 out of #181 in Pennsylvania for quality and #31 out of #168 for Pennsylvania value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Swarthmore financial aid page to be sure.
Swarthmore College is ranked #1,524 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Swarthmore College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Swarthmore costs about $48,750. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $194,999 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $84,103 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $23,149 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $48,750 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $194,999 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Swarthmore net price and the factors that affect it.
What Swarthmore costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Swarthmore degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $336,412 | — | — |
| All Students | $194,999 | #1,524 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $92,596 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $336,412 | — | — |
| All Students | $194,999 | #31 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $92,596 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Swarthmore shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $8,580 |
| $30K–$48K | $5,592 |
| $48K–$75K | $8,292 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,977 |
| Over $110K | $47,429 |
About 58% of Swarthmore undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $59,928 per year. Get more details on the Swarthmore financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Swarthmore net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.