Swarthmore College
Rigor, Impact, Arboretum: Cultivating Minds, Shaping Futures.
📍 Swarthmore, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #3 in United States · QS World #851 · ARWU #901
Quick Facts about Swarthmore College
- Founded: 1864
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 1,730
- International: 13%
- Campus: Suburban
- Tuition: $52,190 – $64,840/year
- Language: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Greek
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
About Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is a highly-regarded private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and beautiful arboretum campus. Founded in 1864 by Quakers, it was one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the United States and has since become non-sectarian. The college emphasizes intellectual and creative excellence, fostering a curriculum that combines disciplinary strength with flexibility and a commitment to social responsibility.
Academics
Swarthmore offers over 40 courses of study and more than 600 courses annually, maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 8:1. The college is particularly noted for its unique Honors Program, inspired by the tutorial systems at Oxford and Cambridge, which involves independent learning in small seminars and culminates in external examinations. Popular majors include Economics, Biology, Computer & Information Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, and Political Science. Uncommonly for a liberal arts institution, Swarthmore also boasts a strong engineering program, offering a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Students can also design their own special majors, fostering interdisciplinary exploration.
International Students
Swarthmore College is committed to supporting its diverse international student population, which makes up approximately 15% of the student body. The International Student Center (ISC) provides comprehensive services, including orientation, immigration workshops, and academic and social programs. The Intercultural Center (IC), which houses the ISC, offers programs and services that support the personal and intellectual development of various student groups, including international students, and promotes cultural sharing and community building. Swarthmore also offers need-based financial aid to admitted international students, covering 100% of their institutionally-determined financial need.
Campus & Location
Swarthmore's picturesque 425-acre campus is a significant feature, doubling as the Scott Arboretum with extensive gardens, walking trails, and diverse plant varieties. Located in suburban Pennsylvania, the campus is just 11 miles from Philadelphia, offering access to a larger city while providing a serene academic environment. The architecture is predominantly collegiate gothic, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The campus layout is designed around a central lawn, Parrish Beach, with academic buildings and residence halls radiating outwards, fostering a communal atmosphere.
Career Outcomes
Swarthmore graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with 82.1% of the Class of 2023 either employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in service within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for the Class of 2024 was $60,000, with top industries including Technology, Education, Financial Services, and Consulting. The college's Career Services offers support through resume reviews, career counseling, workshops, and events to assist students with internships and post-graduate career searches. While Swarthmore may not have a traditional "startup culture," many alumni have found success in entrepreneurial ventures, attributed to the college's emphasis on critical thinking and adaptability. The Center for Innovation and Leadership (CIL) also provides funding opportunities and mentorship for students interested in entrepreneurship.
Information for International Students at Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, United States welcomes international students, with 13% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 13% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Teaching languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Greek
Admissions Requirements for Swarthmore College
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Swarthmore College:
- IELTS minimum: 7.5
- TOEFL minimum: 100
- Duolingo minimum: 120
- GPA minimum: 3.7
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
Programs at Swarthmore College (42 programs)
Swarthmore College offers 42 programs across Bachelor levels.
Bachelor Programs (42)
- Classics (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Study of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.
Field: Classical Studies, Ancient Languages
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - English Literature (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the critical study of literature in English, covering various periods, genres, and theoretical approaches.
Field: Literature
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Anthropology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Studies human societies and cultures, past and present, through ethnographic research, archaeological methods, and theoretical analysis.
Field: Anthropology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Music (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Provides a comprehensive education in music theory, history, performance, and/or dance technique, choreography, and theory.
Field: Music, Dance, Performing Arts
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Political Science (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Studies political systems, institutions, behavior, and theories, both domestic and international.
Field: Political Science
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Computer Science (BS) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on the theory, design, development, and application of computers and computational systems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Environmental Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Art (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Students engage with artistic practice and/or the historical, theoretical, and critical study of art.
Field: Visual Arts, Art History
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Philosophy (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Psychology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Scientific study of the mind and behavior, including cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical aspects.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Engineering (BS) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Offers a broad-based engineering education with opportunities for specialization in various areas.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Economics (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and the behavior of economic agents.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - History (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Investigates past events, societies, and cultures through critical analysis of historical sources.
Field: History
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Classics (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Study of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.
Field: Classical Studies, Ancient Languages
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - English Literature (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the critical study of literature in English, covering various periods, genres, and theoretical approaches.
Field: Literature
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Anthropology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Studies human societies and cultures, past and present, through ethnographic research, archaeological methods, and theoretical analysis.
Field: Anthropology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Music (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Provides a comprehensive education in music theory, history, performance, and/or dance technique, choreography, and theory.
Field: Music, Dance, Performing Arts
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Political Science (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Studies political systems, institutions, behavior, and theories, both domestic and international.
Field: Political Science
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Computer Science (BS) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on the theory, design, development, and application of computers and computational systems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Environmental Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Art (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Students engage with artistic practice and/or the historical, theoretical, and critical study of art.
Field: Visual Arts, Art History
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Philosophy (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Psychology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Scientific study of the mind and behavior, including cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical aspects.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Engineering (BS) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Offers a broad-based engineering education with opportunities for specialization in various areas.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Economics (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and the behavior of economic agents.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - History (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Investigates past events, societies, and cultures through critical analysis of historical sources.
Field: History
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Peace and Conflict Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Examines the causes of conflict and violence, and explores strategies for peacebuilding and social justice.
Field: Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Biology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Black Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Modern Languages and Literatures (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,104/yr · Scholarship available
Study of the language, literature, and culture of a specific modern language. Graduates can work as translators, interpreters, or in international relations.
Field: Language
Career outcomes: Translators, Interpreters, International Relations, Educators, Foreign Service
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Educational Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Explores the theory, practice, and policy of education in diverse contexts.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Chemistry (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, and the chemical processes within living organisms.
Field: Chemistry, Biochemistry
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Cognitive Science (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Mathematics and Statistics (BA) — 48 months · English · $65,104/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Study of quantity, structure, space, and change, including abstract concepts and their applications. Graduates can become mathematicians, statisticians, or data scientists.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematicians, Statisticians, Actuaries, Data Scientists, Educators
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Religion (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Examines religious traditions, practices, and beliefs from various historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Sociology (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Analyzes social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.
Field: Sociology
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Latin American and Latino Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Astronomy (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Study of celestial objects, phenomena, and the universe as a whole.
Field: Astronomy, Astrophysics
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Physics (BS) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Study of matter, energy, space, and time, and the fundamental forces and laws that govern the universe.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Medieval Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Gender and Sexuality Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Swarthmore College offers a rigorous liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Students choose a major from a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The college emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and a strong faculty-student research collaboration.
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January) - Russian (BA) — 36 months · English · $62,320/yr · Scholarship available
Offers intensive study of language, literature, and culture of various regions.
Field: Language, Literature, Cultural Studies
Career outcomes: academia, research, business, law, medicine, government, non-profit organizations, graduate studies
Deadline: Early Decision I (November), Early Decision II (December), Regular Decision (January)
Scholarships & Tuition at Swarthmore College
Annual tuition for international students: $52,190 – $64,840/year
✅ Swarthmore College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Swarthmore College
- National Ranking: #3 in United States
- QS World University Ranking: #851
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #901
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Swarthmore College
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Suburban
Key Highlights
- Rigorous academics, strong engineering
- Unique Honors Program
- Need-based aid for international students
- Beautiful arboretum campus
Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- American Chemical Society
Notable Alumni
- Sally Ride
- Alice Stokes Paul
- Michael Dukakis
- Jonathan Franzen
- Stephen Lang
Frequently Asked Questions about Swarthmore College
What is Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is a private non-profit university located in Swarthmore, United States, founded in 1864. It has approximately 1,730 students, with 13% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Swarthmore College?
Tuition fees at Swarthmore College for international students range from $52,190 – $64,840/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Swarthmore College?
IELTS minimum: 7.5. TOEFL minimum: 100. Duolingo minimum: 120. GPA minimum: 3.7. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%).
What language are courses taught in at Swarthmore College?
Courses at Swarthmore College are taught in English and Arabic and Chinese and French and German and Japanese and Russian and Spanish and Latin and Greek. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 7.5.
How many programs does Swarthmore College offer?
Swarthmore College offers 42 programs: 42 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Swarthmore College ranked?
#3 in United States · QS World #851 · ARWU #901.
Does Swarthmore College offer scholarships?
Yes, Swarthmore College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Swarthmore College provide visa support?
Yes, Swarthmore College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
Apply to Swarthmore College with Abroadly
Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Swarthmore College. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.