Loading…
College comparison
Amherst vs Swarthmore
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Amherst Amherst, MA |  Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateSwarthmore College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1490–1580 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,911 | 1,613 |
| Avg net price | $23,367 | $23,149 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Swarthmore reports higher median earnings | $77,644 | $80,257 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | $13,740 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.0% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Amherst vs Swarthmore: how they compare
Two elite liberal arts colleges with distinct academic cultures and comparable financial value, separated by a 30-minute train ride to Philadelphia.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are strikingly similar yet reveal key contrasts. Both have low average net prices ($23k) and high 10-year median earnings (Amherst $78k, Swarthmore $80k), resulting in excellent value multiples (Amherst 3.3x, Swarthmore 3.5x). Swarthmore shows a higher economic-mobility rate (229% vs. 196%) and a far higher future scholar yield in science & engineering PhDs (15.7 vs. 8.3). Amherst has a slightly higher SAT 75th percentile (1580 vs. 1560) and graduation rate (94% vs. 92%), but a much more volatile admit rate (51% volatility vs. 29%). Financially, Amherst’s DOE health score is stronger (2.8/3 vs. 1.7/3).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, suburban liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes, support for pre-professional paths like medicine, and a shared commitment to providing significant financial value.
How they differ Culturally, Amherst is noted for its open curriculum, offering flexibility, and a social life influenced by its Greek-life presence. It’s in a more rural setting but with consortium access. Swarthmore is characterized by an academically intense environment, a structured curriculum, and a location offering easy train access to Philadelphia.
Who each suits Amherst suits intellectually flexible, independent students who prioritize curricular freedom and a traditional social scene. Swarthmore is a better fit for intensely academic, driven students who thrive on rigorous structure and value proximity to a major city.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Amherst College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is more selective: Amherst College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Swarthmore College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Amherst College vs Swarthmore College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1490–1580 at Amherst College and 1490–1560 at Swarthmore College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.