Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Swarthmore's 6.9% acceptance rate and exceptional test score requirements, most applicants—even those with outstanding credentials—should consider it a reach school and develop comprehensive backup options with similar outcomes.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For comparable liberal arts outcomes with more accessible admission, consider Bryn Mawr College (31.1% acceptance, $75,217 median earnings) located just 9 miles away. Gettysburg College admits 47.5% of applicants while producing graduates earning $71,517, and Dickinson College (43.1% acceptance, $70,204 earnings) offers similar liberal arts education with significantly better admission odds.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students committed to the Pennsylvania region should consider Haverford College (12.9% acceptance, $79,966 earnings) just 8 miles away for nearly identical outcomes with slightly better admission prospects. Bryn Mawr College provides another close option at 9 miles with strong liberal arts programs and more accessible 31.1% admission rates.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#185 ranked)
