College Comparison
Virginia Tech 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
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Virginia Tech | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 57.0% | 6.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1240–1420 | 1460–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 33–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,694wins | $62,412 |
| Avg Net Price | $23,790 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,698wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.3% | 94.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.8% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 30,435wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Swarthmore edges out Virginia Tech 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.
Virginia Tech Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,694
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $81,698
- ✓Total Enrollment: 30,435
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1460–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
Want a deeper comparison?
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