Dear Swarthmore College Community Members,

Swarthmore College has a proud history of ensuring that a student’s economic circumstances aren’t a barrier to their academic success. We’ve practiced need-blind admissions for nearly 70 years — admitting domestic students without considering their ability to pay. We meet 100% of every student’s determined financial need with loan-free financial aid packages. We ensure that all students have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Swarthmore’s residential liberal arts experience. From train rides to Philadelphia, to our Textbook Affordability Program, to countless concerts, performances, lectures, athletic events, and even laundry, all of it comes at no extra cost to students and families.

In that spirit, I am thrilled to announce a new initiative that further strengthens our commitment to access and affordability: The Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee. Starting in the fall of 2027, Swarthmore will cover at least the full cost of tuition for students whose families earn $200,000 or less and have typical assets. Once the program is in effect, it will apply to eligible students across all four classes. (Please note that this program does not affect financial aid packages for the 2026-27 academic year.) You can find much more information on the program, including FAQs, by visiting the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee website.

In addition to expanding access to a Swarthmore education, the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee will help simplify our message of affordability for students and families. We recognize that navigating the cost of a college education can be complex, if not daunting. We hope the Tuition Guarantee helps communicate that a Swarthmore education is affordable for families from across the economic spectrum. In fact, Swarthmore regularly provides financial aid to families earning well above $200,000 a year, based on their individual circumstances. 

The Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee is more than a financial aid program; it’s a powerful demonstration of our belief that a student’s intellectual curiosity, creativity, and talent should decide what’s possible, not whether they can pay for tuition. I’m excited for the opportunities the Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee will create for our students today, tomorrow, and into the future. 

My best, 

Val Smith
President
Roy J. and Linda G. Shanker Presidential Chair