Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee

Our newest commitment to college access and affordability.

Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee

The Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee strengthens our longstanding commitment to making a Swarthmore education affordable and accessible. It aligns with many other College initiatives, including: 

  • Practicing need-blind admissions for domestic students

  • Meeting 100% of the full determined need of all students who apply and qualify for aid

  • Providing loan-free financial aid, meaning the funds you receive from the College never need to be repaid

Families who earn $200,000 or less and who have typical assets may qualify for aid beyond tuition — even up to the full cost of attendance.

Swarthmore's financial aid process reviews families individually and holistically. We consider factors beyond just income, such as the number of children currently enrolled in college and the cost of living in your area. As a result, Swarthmore provides financial aid to many families earning above $200,000 annually.

Swarthmore offers boundless opportunities to our students. With the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee, the door to Swarthmore is yours to open.

Who Is Eligible for the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee?

Our financial aid methodology isn't changing, and neither is our application process. To qualify for the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee, your family must complete the financial aid application by the posted deadlines. Our application for domestic students consists of three parts:

  1. FAFSA
  2. CSS Profile
  3. Tax documents uploaded to IDOC

If your financial aid application shows that your family earns $200,000 or less per year and has typical assets, then you will receive aid that meets or exceeds the cost of tuition, potentially up to the total cost of attendance.

Please note that the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee is available to domestic students only. International students are still eligible to apply and qualify for financial aid that can meet up to the full cost of attendance. Financial aid for international students is loan-free and meets 100% of determined need. For more information on the international student financial aid process, please visit the international section of the Financial Aid Website.

Valerie Smith

"At Swarthmore, a student’s intellectual curiosity, creativity, and talent decide what’s possible, not whether they can afford college."

President Valerie Smith

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my family's income determined by Swarthmore?

Swarthmore’s financial aid methodology is highly individualized and responsive to the changing nature of the global economy. Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that serves our students and families well.

Gross income is determined by Swarthmore’s Financial Aid Office and considers the following information in your income evaluation:

  • Local cost of living
  • Total household income
  • Selected business income deductions and write-offs
  • Additional foreign income
  • Untaxed income
  • Income earned from investments
  • Total household income
  • Tax-deferred retirement contributions

Please note that parents who are no longer together will be evaluated comprehensively, including both households, their members, and the income within those households.

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, your income is evaluated based on your local cost of living compared to the U.S. cost of living.

What does Swarthmore consider to be typical assets?

Swarthmore considers assets to be any financial savings and investments that exist outside of a formal and defined retirement account (such as an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SEP, etc.). We also consider the equity of owned businesses, trusts, and partnerships, as well as other real estate and a capped portion of your home equity.

The Financial Aid Office makes the final determination of the expected family contribution, taking into account all factors affecting a family’s overall financial situation and ability to pay.

My family makes more than $200,000. Can I still qualify for financial aid?

Yes, we have many families who earn more than — and in some cases well over — $200,000 per year and receive Swarthmore aid. Swarthmore’s financial aid process reviews families individually and holistically. If you apply for financial aid at Swarthmore, we consider factors beyond just income, such as the number of children currently enrolled in college and the cost of living in your area

We encourage any family who may need financial assistance during their time at Swarthmore to apply for financial aid. You can try our Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much aid you may qualify for. Please keep in mind that the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee will be available in the fall of 2027.

How does Swarthmore determine a full financial aid decision?

We begin with a family’s gross income and assets (including business income and assets). We then evaluate items that may affect the family’s financial situation to determine the amount of generally available income and assets. These may include:

  • Taxes
  • Cost of living
  • Family size
  • Number of siblings enrolled full-time in four-year undergraduate colleges
  • Savings funds for emergencies and other children
  • Medical or dental expenses
  • Costs for dependent care (such as child care and elder care) 
     

For more information, please visit the page on our institutional methodology.

Are there students who will qualify for aid beyond the amount of tuition?

Yes, there are many students who qualify for aid above the cost of tuition. Because Swarthmore’s financial aid is entirely need-based, it can cover all or part of billed charges, such as tuition, food, housing, and the student activity fee. A Swarthmore financial aid decision may also cover additional costs, such as personal and academic supplies or transportation.  

Is the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee available for my whole time at Swarthmore?

For domestic students, eligibility for the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee and further financial aid is assessed annually through the financial aid application process.

I’m a current student. Am I eligible?

All current domestic students may apply for financial aid every year. To be considered for the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee, you must first submit a completed financial aid application by the deadline. The Financial Aid Office will then determine if your family’s income and assets meet the Tuition Guarantee criteria. 

All students who apply by the posted deadlines will have their financial aid decisions updated before the fall 2027 semester bill is due. 

I’m an international student. Am I eligible?

International students are not eligible for the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee, but may still qualify for significant financial aid.

Financial aid for international students is loan-free and meets 100% of determined need. For more information on the international student financial aid process, please visit the international aid website. 

How is Swarthmore affordable beyond tuition?

All students, regardless of their financial aid status, receive the following cost-cutting benefits provided by the college:
 

  • $800 annual credit for required course materials through the Textbook Affordability Program
  • Services like laundry, printing, and lab or studio classes are free of charge
  • Campus events such as athletic games, special lectures, and live performances are free of charge
  • Free public transportation on our regional transit system via the SEPTA Key Advantage UPass Program
  • Funding for unpaid internships in nonprofit and community-focused roles
  • A vast array of campus student employment opportunities are available
  • Your tuition is the same no matter your major(s) 
  • Students receiving financial aid are also eligible for subsidized health insurance through the Student Health Insurance Plan

For more information, please visit the page on our institutional methodology.

Covering Costs

2025-26 Cost of Attendance

Sample Aid Decisions

Visit Financial Aid
Learn More