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College comparison
NYU 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 |  NYU New York, NY |  Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateSwarthmore College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1480–1560 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 28,663 | 1,613 |
| Avg net price | $37,050 | $23,149 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)NYU reports higher median earnings | $82,509 | $80,257 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 92% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.6% | 2.3% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
NYU vs Swarthmore: how they compare
For a data-driven family, this is a choice between a globally connected urban research university and a highly collaborative, intimate liberal arts college.
By the numbers NYU presents a higher-value proposition for economic mobility, with a 363% mobility rate (vs. Swarthmore's 229%) and strong financial health (DOE score 2.7/3). Its graduates have a 10-year median earnings edge of $83k vs. $80k, but at a higher average net price ($37k vs. $23k), yielding a lower financial return multiplier: 2.2× earnings per dollar of net price. Swarthmore offers superior financial efficiency (3.5× return), higher graduation rates (92% vs. 88%), and exceptional outcomes for future scholars, with a 15.7 future-scholar (S&E PhD) yield. It is slightly more selective (7% vs. 9% acceptance) with a similar SAT range (1480-1560 vs. 1490-1560), but exhibits far greater stability in admissions (29% admit-rate volatility vs. 127%). NYU's financial health is notably stronger (2.7 vs. 1.7).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective institutions attracting top-tier students, and both are need-blind in admissions. Each fosters a diverse and internationally aware student body committed to academic excellence.
How they differ The cultures are defined by their settings. NYU offers a globally focused, decentralized experience embedded in New York City, where campus life blends with urban dynamism. Swarthmore provides a tight-knit, collaborative residential community in a suburban setting, known for its intellectually intense environment and intimate class discussions. Its membership in a collegiate consortium expands academic and social options.
Who each suits NYU suits the independent, ambitious student who thrives in an unstructured, fast-paced urban environment and seeks access to global networks and professional opportunities. Swarthmore is ideal for the student who prefers a highly engaged, collaborative academic community, values close mentorship from professors, and seeks an intensive liberal arts foundation—particularly strong for those considering graduate scholarship.
Quick answers
- Is New York University or Swarthmore College harder to get into?
- Swarthmore College is more selective: New York University'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 New York University vs Swarthmore College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1480–1560 at New York University 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.