Swarthmore College's published cost of attendance is $84,103, but need-based aid reshapes that figure substantially across income levels. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $7,690; middle-income families pay around $11,444; and higher-income families pay approximately $47,544.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,103 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,494 |
| Room and Board | $20,308 |
| Books and Supplies | $760 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$60,954 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,149 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,690 |
| $30–48k | $4,951 |
| $48–75k | $11,444 |
| $75–110k | $22,443 |
| $110k+ | $47,544 |
Swarthmore College's published cost of attendance is $84,103, but need-based aid reshapes that figure substantially across income levels. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $7,690; middle-income families pay around $11,444; and higher-income families pay approximately $47,544. Azimuth ranks Swarthmore College #953 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Swarthmore's aid structure is need-based and meets demonstrated financial need in full for admitted students, per the institution's financial aid commitment. The college uses the FAFSA and CSS Profile for aid determination, and work-study is available as part of aid packages. The gap between sticker price and net price reflects Swarthmore's substantial endowment and commitment to making attendance affordable for families across the income spectrum. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $17,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $65,862; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $65,618, median federal debt of $17,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $198 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Swarthmore College earn median 4-year earnings of $65,618, placing Swarthmore in the 70.3rd percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs well above the $57,361 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Azimuth ranks Swarthmore #249 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions — in the 83.2nd percentile for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The earnings pattern reflects Swarthmore's focus on Social Sciences, which represents 24% of graduates. Economics is the largest program with 80 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $128,051, and Azimuth ranks the program #23 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions per the program-ranking methodology. Azimuth ranks Computer and Information Sciences, General #12 nationally among nonprofit four-year institutions with 54 graduates earning $150,942, while Political Science and Government ranks #179 nationally with 36 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $58,372.
