From the Dean

Fall 2026

Dear Colleague,

Greetings from Swarthmore College. We are looking forward to connecting with you as we embark on another academic year. Whether that’s while on the road at school visits and attending professional conferences, or on Swarthmore’s beautiful 425-acre arboretum campus just 11 miles outside of Philadelphia.

We know that the landscape of college admissions and higher education has been turbulent in recent years. Let me assure you that Swarthmore continues our holistic application review process that takes many factors into account, including a student’s full lived experience. We continue to lean into our mission and persist in fostering an inclusive community. We also remain committed to increasing access and navigating barriers for students.

So much so that we recently announced the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee. Starting in Fall 2027, Swarthmore will cover at least the cost of tuition for families who earn $200,000 or less and have typical assets. We will also continue our longtime financial aid commitments, including providing loan-free grant aid that meets 100% of a student’s determined need. Our financial aid is need-based, and many families who earn above $200,000 per year qualify for aid. The average aid decision for the 2025-26 academic year was $75,268, which covered 81% of total billed costs. Furthermore, 56% of students received financial aid. 

Swarthmore is also test-optional. Students can choose whether or not to have test scores considered as part of their application. Students who either did not take a test or chose not to share results with us will not be penalized in the admissions process.

In addition to financial aid, we do not charge additional fees for services such as laundry, printing, lab classes, or attending campus events. We also offer the Textbook Affordability Program, in which all students receive an $800 credit for required course materials as part of tuition charges. All students also receive a free SEPTA Key, allowing them to take public transportation in and around the region and the City of Philadelphia.

Swarthmore College enters our 21st year as a QuestBridge partner for the 2026-27 academic year. We hope that you encourage students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, not to remove high-priced schools from their lists before taking a closer look at financial aid policies.

Please let us know how we might participate in any special programs or workshops at your school or organization, and how we can continue to strengthen our relationships with you and your students. Our regional deans look forward to working with you. Please feel free to call, write, or email me (jbock2@swarthmore.edu). 

Sincerely,

James L. Bock ’90

Vice President and Dean of Admissions