College Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
School
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Swarthmore | Colorado State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6.9%wins | 89.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1460–1560wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,412 | $33,751wins |
| Avg Net Price | $18,686wins | $20,332 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $80,257wins | $60,543 |
| Graduation Rate | 94.1%wins | 66.9% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2%wins | 84.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,627 | 25,148wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Colorado State on 7 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.
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,257
Colorado State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,751
- ✓Total Enrollment: 25,148
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