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College comparison
Barnard 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 |  Barnard New York, NY |  Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateSwarthmore College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,264 | 1,613 |
| Avg net price | $28,800 | $23,149 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Barnard reports higher median earnings | $80,516 | $80,257 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 92% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.5% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Barnard vs Swarthmore: how they compare
Both are elite liberal arts institutions, but Barnard offers a singular urban-college experience within a major research university, while Swarthmore provides an intensely collaborative and self-contained suburban academic community.
By the numbers Swarthmore is slightly more selective (7% vs. 9% acceptance) with a marginally higher SAT 25–75th percentile range (1490–1560 vs. 1470–1560). Post-graduate earnings are nearly identical (Swarthmore $80k vs. Barnard $81k 10-yr median). Swarthmore delivers stronger financial value per dollar, with an average net price of $23k yielding a 3.5x earnings multiplier, compared to Barnard's $29k net price and 2.8x multiplier. Barnard excels in economic mobility (345% rate vs. 229%) but has higher admit-rate volatility (64% vs. 29%). Barnard shows greater financial health (DOE score 2.5/3 vs. 1.7/3). Graduation rates are comparable (Barnard 93%, Swarthmore 92%). Swarthmore has an exceptional future-scholar yield of 15.7 for science/engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are highly prestigious, rigorous liberal arts colleges known for intellectually engaged and politically progressive student bodies. They share a deep commitment to undergraduate teaching and fostering close student-faculty relationships. Each produces graduates with strong outcomes, capable of pursuing top careers or graduate studies.
How they differ The core distinction is environment and institutional model. Barnard is an urban women's college integrated with Columbia University, offering access to a vast Ivy League campus, resources, and the constant energy of New York City. Swarthmore is a co-ed, suburban campus known for its intense, collaborative, and sometimes insular Quaker-inspired culture, emphasizing deep intellectual friendships within its own community.
Who each suits Barnard suits a student who wants a tight-knit liberal arts community but thrives in a fast-paced, urban setting and desires seamless access to a major research university's courses, clubs, and networking. It's ideal for a self-driven, independent student drawn to NYC's opportunities.
Swarthmore is for the student seeking an all-consuming, collaborative academic environment where campus life is centered on deep intellectual engagement with peers. It fits a student who prefers a focused, suburban campus and is strongly oriented toward graduate study, particularly in STEM fields.
Quick answers
- Is Barnard College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is more selective: Barnard 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 Barnard College vs Swarthmore College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Barnard 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.