College Comparison
Lehigh 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
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Lehigh | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 29.3% | 6.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1350–1490 | 1460–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–33 | 33–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,180wins | $62,412 |
| Avg Net Price | $33,549 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $105,584wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.2% | 94.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.7% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 5,803wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Lehigh 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.
Lehigh Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,180
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $105,584
- ✓Total Enrollment: 5,803
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
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