Swarthmore, PA · Private University
Is Swarthmore College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$80,257
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$62,412
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,412
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$249,648
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.29x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
94.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,686
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Swarthmore College graduates earn $35,257 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Swarthmore College ranked by graduate earnings
28 graduates
43 graduates
17 graduates
18 graduates
25 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Swarthmore College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Swarthmore College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $157,852) and the lowest (Biology, General: $69,485) is $88,367/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $157,852 | 2.5x |
| Mathematics | $143,223 | 2.3x |
| Economics | $105,566 | 1.7x |
| Political Science and Government | $80,009 | 1.3x |
| Biology, GeneralLowest | $69,485 | 1.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swarthmore College | 1.29x | $80,257 | Average ROI |
| Williams College | 1.37x | $88,665 | Average ROI |
| Barnard College | 1.22x | $80,516 | Average ROI |
| Wellesley College | 1.32x | $84,803 | Average ROI |
| Amherst College | 1.15x | $77,644 | Average ROI |
| Haverford College | 1.17x | $79,966 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Swarthmore College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $80,257 10 years after starting — $35,257 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.5 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.