Swarthmore College vs Tulane University of Louisiana
Swarthmore College is extremely selective with a 6.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Tulane University of Louisiana (14.6%). Graduates of Swarthmore College earn $16,989 more per year at the 10-year mark ($80,257 vs $63,268). For families earning $48k–$75k, Swarthmore College is more affordable at $8,292 net price vs $20,149. Students at Swarthmore College graduate with less debt ($17,500 vs $20,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Tulane University of Louisiana has a higher yield rate (45.8%), 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 1450).
Swarthmore, PA
New Orleans, LA
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), Swarthmore College is more affordable at $8,580 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,429 vs $56,667.
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.
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
Tulane University of Louisiana
- 1 Chemical Engineering$69,338
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services$64,281
- 3 Business Administration, Management and Operations$55,625
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General$50,606
- 5 Marketing$48,667
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.
Swarthmore College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Engineering, General
- 4 Mathematics
- 5 Political Science and Government
Tulane University of Louisiana
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 3 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- 4 Marketing
- 5 Communication and Media Studies
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.
Swarthmore College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$54,256
- Est. total cost/year$71,110
- School typePublic
Tulane University of Louisiana
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$54,766
- Est. total cost/year$75,100
- 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 Swarthmore College or Tulane University of Louisiana?
Swarthmore College is more selective with a 6.9% acceptance rate, compared to 14.6%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Swarthmore College or Tulane University of Louisiana?
Swarthmore College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $80,257 compared to $63,268. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Swarthmore College or Tulane University of Louisiana?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Swarthmore College has a lower net price at $8,292 per year vs $20,149. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Swarthmore College vs Tulane University of Louisiana?
Swarthmore College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.1%, compared to 87.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Swarthmore College or Tulane University of Louisiana?
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 Swarthmore College and Tulane University of Louisiana?
At Swarthmore College, Mathematics graduates earn a median of $125,015 within two years. At Tulane University of Louisiana, the top-earning major is Chemical Engineering at $69,338. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.