Private not-for-profit

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Swarthmore College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1500 to 1550

ACT Range33 to 35

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate7.5%

Swarthmore is test-optional, but the score data still gives you a clear target: 39% submitted SAT scores, compared with 16% ACT. To be competitive, aim for the 1500–1550 SAT range, with 33–35 on the ACT as the comparable target if that test fits you better.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Swarthmore College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Swarthmore College enrolls about 1,623 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Swarthmore has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 92% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7.4:1.

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Location

Swarthmore, PA

Undergrad Enrollment1,623

Freshman Retention94%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio7.4:1

Graduation Rate92%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Swarthmore?

Key Swarthmore College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 4

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 15

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 4

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to Swarthmore, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake that will arrive in time and can give you one more superscoring opportunity.

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What you'll actually pay

Swarthmore is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $65,494, and 60% of students receive financial aid. The FAFSA priority deadline is January 4.

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Out-of-State Tuition$65,494

Tuition and Fees$65,494

Room and Board$20,308

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$60

Students on Aid60%

Average Aid Package$72,334

Average Debt at Grad$33,077

At Swarthmore College, tuition, fees, room, and board total about $85,802 per year. Financial aid can substantially lower that price, with 60% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $72,334. For students who borrow, the average debt at graduation is $33,077.

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