Colgate University vs Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is extremely selective with a 6.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Colgate University (11.9%). Graduates of Colgate University earn $4,882 more per year at the 10-year mark ($85,139 vs $80,257). For families earning $48k–$75k, Swarthmore College is more affordable at $8,292 net price vs $13,617. Students at Colgate University graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $17,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Swarthmore College has a higher yield rate (41.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Swarthmore College has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1480).
Hamilton, NY
Swarthmore, PA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Colgate University is more affordable at $6,086 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,234 vs $47,429.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Swarthmore College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (20%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Colgate University
- 1 Economics$67,995
- 2 Computer Science$66,171
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies$53,775
- 4 Political Science and Government$53,358
- 5 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$47,260
Swarthmore College
- 1 Mathematics$125,015
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General$94,408
- 3 Economics$81,702
- 4 Education, Other$47,260
- 5 Psychology, General$43,426
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Colgate University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Biology, General
Swarthmore College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Engineering, General
- 4 Mathematics
- 5 Political Science and Government
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Colgate University
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$59,655
- Est. total cost/year$75,050
- School typePublic
Swarthmore College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$54,256
- Est. total cost/year$71,110
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colgate University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is more selective with a 6.9% acceptance rate, compared to 11.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Colgate University or Swarthmore College?
Colgate University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $85,139 compared to $80,257. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Colgate University or Swarthmore College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Swarthmore College has a lower net price at $8,292 per year vs $13,617. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Colgate University vs Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.1%, compared to 90.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Colgate University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Colgate University and Swarthmore College?
At Colgate University, Economics graduates earn a median of $67,995 within two years. At Swarthmore College, the top-earning major is Mathematics at $125,015. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.