College Comparison
Florida State 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
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Florida State | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25.4% | 6.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1240–1390 | 1460–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–31 | 33–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $18,786wins | $62,412 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,997wins | $18,686 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $61,675 | $80,257wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0% | 94.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 95.6% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,812wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Florida State 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.
Florida State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,997
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,812
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,257
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.