College Comparison
Northeastern 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Northeastern | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 9.9% | 6.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1460–1550 | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,141 | $62,412wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,116 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,538wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.4% | 94.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.5%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,719wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Northeastern on 5 of 8 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.
Northeastern Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,538
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,719
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,412
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
- ✓Graduation Rate: 94.1%
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