Admissions & Aid

Department Overview

Swarthmore College is where intellectually curious students can discover their academic passions. They share ideas, ask big questions, and pursue their studies with purpose. 

We’re a tight-knit community on a tranquil arboretum campus, but we enjoy easy access to the world beyond – Philadelphia’s cultural core is a short train ride away from a station at the foot of campus. 

We embrace and support students from every background, because we know that living in a diverse community is how we sustain academic excellence and prepare students for life after Swarthmore. 

So, are you a Swattie? If you can see yourself here, explore our digital viewbook to learn more about our world-class academics, extracurricular opportunities, faculty, and the many facets of student life that make Swarthmore extraordinary. 

 

Starting in the fall of 2027, Swarthmore will cover at least the cost of tuition for families who earn $200,000 or less each year.
Learn about the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee

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Academic Exploration

Inspiration and discovery come easily at Swarthmore. Every student is on an intellectual journey, and they’re deeply committed to exploring (and sharing) what they find. Once you graduate, you'll have what it takes to apply your knowledge with meaning and purpose. 

students talking

Location: Best of Both Worlds

Swarthmore’s leafy campus boasts sprawling gardens, winding hiking paths, and a serene creek winding through a wooded paradise. Yet, just 11 miles away, the vibrant energy of Philadelphia awaits. Catch the train at the foot of campus, and twenty-five minutes later you’ll be chatting with friends over lunch in Chinatown, cheering for your favorite band, catching the latest indie film, or exploring world-class museums. Our close proximity to the city also gives our community easy access to the Philadelphia International Airport and Amtrak’s 30th Street Station.

Aerial view of campus with Philadelphia skyline

Meaningful Opportunities

At Swarthmore, students enjoy unparalleled access to academic resources and faculty — including graduate-level research opportunities, hands-on learning, and experiences beyond the classroom. Our students leave Swarthmore with a breadth of experience uncommon among undergraduate students. They go on to top graduate schools, world-class professional programs, and meaningful careers. 

teaching at the outdoor classroom

A Legacy of Service

While Swarthmore is no longer a religious institution, our Quaker founders believed in the practical application of knowledge for the common good, and we carry that mission along today. Your classmates work to initiate positive change in fields as diverse as business, medicine, government, education, engineering, and more. Swatties strive to make the most of their opportunities and abilities to benefit the world around them, just as they’ve done since 1864. 

students at first collection