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College Comparison

Swarthmore College vs Drexel University: 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

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricSwarthmoreDrexel
Acceptance Rate6.9%wins77.5%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1460–1560wins1230–1430
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–34wins27–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,412$60,663wins
Avg Net Price$18,686wins$38,428
Median Earnings (10 yr)$80,257$84,648wins
Graduation Rate94.1%wins77.1%
Retention Rate97.2%wins89.6%
Student–Faculty Ratio8:1wins9:1
Total Enrollment1,62713,509wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Drexel 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.

Swarthmore Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
  • Avg Net Price: $18,686

Drexel Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,663
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $84,648
  • Total Enrollment: 13,509

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