Swarthmore College's published cost of attendance reaches $80,014 per year, including $62,412 in tuition, $18,964 for room and board, and $760 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
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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 reaches $80,014 per year, including $62,412 in tuition, $18,964 for room and board, and $760 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price after aid is $18,686, representing financial aid savings of $61,328 annually.
This substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects Swarthmore's commitment to need-based financial aid. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $21,812, Swarthmore's net price runs $3,126 lower, indicating competitive affordability despite high published costs. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $8,580 for families earning under $30,000 to $47,429 for families earning over $110,000.
Swarthmore College's financial aid approach emphasizes need-based assistance with substantial grant support. With 20.0% Pell-eligible enrollment, the institution serves a meaningful share of lower-income students, though below national averages for all four-year institutions.
The $61,328 gap between published cost and average net price indicates comprehensive financial aid coverage for most families. Net price analysis shows the most substantial aid directed toward families earning under $75,000, who pay between $5,592 and $8,580 annually.
Middle-income families earning $75,000-$110,000 face higher costs at $20,977 but still receive significant aid. The institution's ability to offer such substantial aid reflects strong endowment resources and institutional commitment to access.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Swarthmore College graduates maintain manageable debt levels compared to national and peer benchmarks. Median student debt reaches $17,500, with debt ranging from $8,000 at the 25th percentile to $26,374 at the 75th percentile.
This debt level falls $7,500 below the peer median of $25,000, placing Swarthmore in the 81st percentile nationally for controlled borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates graduates' debt equals approximately 22% of their median annual earnings of $80,257, supporting sustainable repayment.
Parent PLUS debt shows higher levels with a median of $50,515 and monthly payments of $665, reflecting family borrowing to supplement student aid packages. The combination of below-peer student debt and strong earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Swarthmore College demonstrates strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and exceptional earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $3,438 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 68.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
With debt levels $7,500 below peer institutions and median earnings $29,845 above peer medians, the investment equation favors long-term financial success. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to career outcomes.
The institution's financial aid approach, with net prices ranging from $5,592 to $47,429 based on family income, makes the investment accessible across economic backgrounds. For students who can navigate the competitive 6.9% admission rate, Swarthmore offers strong economic returns on educational investment.
