College Comparison
Caltech vs Swarthmore College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Caltech | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.1%wins | 6.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1460–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,255 | $62,412wins |
| Avg Net Price | $18,902 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $128,566wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% | 94.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 8:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,023 | 1,627wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Caltech on 5 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,412
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
- ✓Graduation Rate: 94.1%
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