USA · LAC
Swarthmore College punches far above its weight, routinely producing more PhD graduates per capita than most large research universities. The unique Honors Program in students' final two years involves intensive seminars and external examination by scholars from peer institutions, producing graduates of exceptional scholarly depth. Located just outside Philadelphia, Swarthmore's partnership in the Tri-College Consortium with Haverford and Bryn Mawr expands course offerings considerably, and the college's strong engineering program makes it rare among liberal arts schools for students who want both breadth and technical rigor.
| Acceptance Rate | 7% (Most Selective) |
|---|---|
| GPA Range | 3.95-4.00 |
| SAT Range | 1490-1560 |
| ACT Range | 33-35 |
| Early Decision I | Nov 15 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 3 |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Average Financial Aid | $58,000 |
| Need-Blind Admissions | Yes |
| Type | LAC |
| US News Rank | #3 |
Swarthmore College typically admits students with a GPA in the 3.95-4.00 range (4.0 scale). International students should convert their grades using an AACRAO EDGE-based GPA calculator before applying.
With an acceptance rate of 7%, Swarthmore College is a most selective institution. Building a balanced school list with reach, target, and safety schools is strongly recommended.
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1490-1560 on the SAT and 33-35 on the ACT.
The Regular Decision deadline is Jan 3. Use AdmissionsPedia's free Deadline Tracker to manage your complete application calendar.
Data sourced from official university websites, Common App, and QS/THE/US News rankings. Last updated: 2026. Disclaimer