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College comparison
Colby 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 |  Colby Waterville, ME |  Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColby College is more selective | 7% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1460–1550 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,407 | 1,613 |
| Avg net price | $17,180 | $23,149 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colby reports higher median earnings | $80,490 | $80,257 |
| Graduation rate | 89% | 92% |
| Median debt | $19,157 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colby vs Swarthmore: how they compare
Two top-tier liberal arts colleges with identical 7% acceptance rates diverge sharply in financial value, student outcomes, and campus culture.
By the numbers Colby offers stronger financial value and stability: its average net price is $17k versus Swarthmore’s $23k, delivering 4.7× earnings per dollar versus 3.5×. Both report 10-year median earnings of $80k. Swarthmore excels in creating economic mobility (229% rate vs. Colby’s 90%) and producing future STEM PhDs (15.7 yield vs. 6.3). Colby shows higher admit-rate volatility (49% vs. 29%) but superior financial health (DOE score 3.0/3 vs. 1.7). Graduation rates are close (Colby 89%, Swarthmore 92%), as are mid-50% SAT ranges (Colby 1460–1550, Swarthmore 1490–1560).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective members of the “Little Ivy” cohort, offering intense, personalized liberal arts education with low student-faculty ratios. Each is a destination for high-achieving, intellectually driven students.
How they differ Culturally, they occupy distinct niches. Colby, set in a Maine college town, is described as academically rigorous but with a noted emphasis on balance between work and social life, including athletics. Swarthmore, in a suburban Philadelphia setting, carries a reputation for significant academic intensity and a distinctive, intellectually focused culture, with a focus on unique programs in arts and media.
Who each suits Colby suits students seeking a classic, balanced New England liberal arts experience with strong financial return and institutional stability. Swarthmore is for those drawn to a more intense, intellectually distinctive environment where high academic output and postgraduate scholarship are common, particularly in STEM fields.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colby College or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Colby College is more selective: Colby 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 Colby College vs Swarthmore College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1460–1550 at Colby 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.