College comparison

Columbia 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	Columbia New York, NY	Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA
Acceptance rateColumbia University in the City of New York is more selective	4%	7%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1580	1490–1560
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	8,973	1,613
Avg net price	$21,590	$23,149
Median earnings (10 yr)Columbia reports higher median earnings	$102,491	$80,257
Graduation rate	96%	92%
Median debt	$21,500	$17,500
Economic mobility	3.1%	2.3%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Columbia University in the City of New York or Swarthmore College harder to get into?

Columbia University in the City of New York is more selective: Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Swarthmore College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York vs Swarthmore College?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York 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.