College Comparison
Yale 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
Yale University
New Haven, CT
School
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | Swarthmore |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 6.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 33–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700 | $62,412wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818 | $18,686wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533wins | $80,257 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 94.1% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 8:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811wins | 1,627 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Yale edges out Swarthmore 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.
Yale Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $100,533
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.3%
Swarthmore Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,412
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,686
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