College Comparison
Cornell 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
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2% | 6.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560wins | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $62,412wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 94.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Cornell edges out Swarthmore 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.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $104,043
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.1%
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,412
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 8:1
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