AdmissionsOS Swarthmore College vs University of Pennsylvania
| Swarthmore College | University of Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate lower = more selective | 7.5% | 5.4% |
| SAT range (mid 50%) | 1,490-1,560 | 1,510-1,570 |
| ACT range (mid 50%) | 33-35 | 34-36 |
| Average net price what students actually pay after aid | $23,149 | $28,699 |
| Sticker cost of attendance | $84,103 | $89,028 |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 97% |
| Retention rate | 94% | 99% |
| Undergraduates | 1,613 | 10,650 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 7:1 | 8:1 |
| Setting | Swarthmore, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Application fee | $60 | $75 |
| Test policy | Test-optional | Required |
Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Compare these in the interactive toolCommon questions
Is Swarthmore College or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
University of Pennsylvania is more selective, with a 5.4% acceptance rate versus 7.5% at Swarthmore College. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.
Which is cheaper, Swarthmore College or University of Pennsylvania?
Swarthmore College has the lower average net price ($23,149 versus $28,699). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.