College Comparison
Princeton 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
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 6.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $62,412 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $18,686 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 94.1% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 8:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Swarthmore on 10 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.
Princeton Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
Swarthmore Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.