Swarthmore College vs Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is extremely selective with a 6.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Swarthmore College (6.9%). Graduates of Vanderbilt University earn $11,308 more per year at the 10-year mark ($91,565 vs $80,257). For families earning $48k–$75k, Vanderbilt University is more affordable at $6,211 net price vs $8,292. Students at Vanderbilt University graduate with less debt ($14,000 vs $17,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Vanderbilt University has a higher yield rate (57.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1530, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Swarthmore, PA
Nashville, TN
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), Vanderbilt University is more affordable at $5,797 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,429 vs $42,754.
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
Vanderbilt University
- 1 Computer Science$102,409
- 2 Mathematics$80,309
- 3 Chemical Engineering$73,446
- 4 Economics$72,134
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$70,680
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
Vanderbilt University
- 1 Social Sciences, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
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
Vanderbilt University
- International students13%
- Tuition (international)$52,781
- Est. total cost/year$71,828
- 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 Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more selective with a 6.3% acceptance rate, compared to 6.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Swarthmore College or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $91,565 compared to $80,257. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Swarthmore College or Vanderbilt University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Vanderbilt University has a lower net price at $6,211 per year vs $8,292. 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 Vanderbilt University?
Swarthmore College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 94.1%, compared to 92.7%. 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 Vanderbilt University?
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 Vanderbilt University?
At Swarthmore College, Mathematics graduates earn a median of $125,015 within two years. At Vanderbilt University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $102,409. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.