College Comparison
Columbia University 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
Columbia University
New York, NY
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Columbia | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.2%wins | 6.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1570wins | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $69,045 | $62,412wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,148 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.0%wins | 94.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 8:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,899wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Columbia edges out Swarthmore on 7 of 10 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.
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,491
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,412
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.2%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.