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College comparison
Bowdoin 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 |  Bowdoin Brunswick, ME |  Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBowdoin College is more selective | 7% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1550 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,873 | 1,613 |
| Avg net price | $14,398 | $23,149 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Bowdoin reports higher median earnings | $82,735 | $80,257 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 92% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.1% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Bowdoin vs Swarthmore: how they compare
Bowdoin and Swarthmore are both highly selective liberal arts colleges, with differences in financial value, student outcomes, and campus culture.
By the numbers Bowdoin offers stronger financial value, with an average net price of $14k (vs. Swarthmore's $23k) and a 5.7× earnings-to-price multiplier (vs. 3.5×). Bowdoin graduates report slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($83k vs. $80k) and the college boasts superior financial health (DOE score 2.9/3 vs. 1.7/3). Swarthmore, however, excels in economic mobility (229% rate vs. 109%) and is a more powerful engine for future scholars, with a future-scholar yield of 15.7 (vs. 6.7). Selectivity is similarly intense (both 7% acceptance), with Swarthmore’s SAT 25–75 range (1490–1560) marginally higher than Bowdoin’s (1470–1550). Bowdoin has a slightly higher graduation rate (95% vs. 92%) and lower admit-rate volatility (17% vs. 29%).
Where they overlap Both are academically rigorous institutions with strong reported senses of campus community. They share the selectivity and prestige common to top liberal arts colleges.
How they differ The settings and cultures are distinct. Bowdoin is located in a rural Maine college town, with a reputation for a friendly, traditionally preppy atmosphere and a notable athletic influence on campus life. Swarthmore, situated in a suburb with quick train access to Philadelphia, is often described as having a quirkier, more alternative vibe and a more socioeconomically and racially diverse student body. Academically, Swarthmore is frequently characterized as more intensely rigorous.
Who each suits Bowdoin suits students seeking a tight-knit, traditional New England liberal arts experience in a rural coastal setting, with a strong emphasis on community and potentially better immediate financial value. Swarthmore is ideal for academically driven, intellectually intense students who thrive in a more eclectic, diverse environment and may prioritize long-term scholarly pursuits or value easy access 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 Bowdoin College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Bowdoin College is more selective: Bowdoin College's acceptance rate is approximately 7% and Swarthmore College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Bowdoin College vs Swarthmore College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1550 at Bowdoin 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.