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College Comparison

Swarthmore College vs University of Kentucky: 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

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricSwarthmoreUniversity of Kentucky
Acceptance Rate6.9%wins92.4%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1460–1560wins1080–1290
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–34wins21–28
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,412$33,406wins
Avg Net Price$18,686$17,218wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$80,257wins$59,025
Graduation Rate94.1%wins69.9%
Retention Rate97.2%wins86.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio8:1wins17:1
Total Enrollment1,62723,189wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out University of Kentucky 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
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,257

University of Kentucky Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
  • Avg Net Price: $17,218
  • Total Enrollment: 23,189

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