Swarthmore College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Swarthmore is test-optional, but the score data still gives you a clear target: 39% submitted SAT scores, compared with 16% ACT. To be competitive, aim for the 1500–1550 SAT range, with 33–35 on the ACT as the comparable target if that test fits you better.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Swarthmore College facts and stats
Swarthmore College enrolls about 1,623 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Swarthmore has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 92% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7.4:1.
Swarthmore, PA
How do your scores compare at Swarthmore?
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Key Swarthmore College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 4
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 15
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 4
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Swarthmore, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake that will arrive in time and can give you one more superscoring opportunity.
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What you'll actually pay
Swarthmore is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $65,494, and 60% of students receive financial aid. The FAFSA priority deadline is January 4.
At Swarthmore College, tuition, fees, room, and board total about $85,802 per year. Financial aid can substantially lower that price, with 60% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $72,334. For students who borrow, the average debt at graduation is $33,077.
Student life at Swarthmore College
94% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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