Swarthmore College
Address: 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
Phone: +1 610-328-8000
Email: admission@swarthmore.edu
Website: www.swarthmore.edu
About Swarthmore College
Established in 1864, the Swarthmore College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Swarthmore (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Swarthmore College (Swat) is a very small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Swarthmore College (Swat) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 160-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Swat also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Why Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is renowned for several reasons, including its rigorous academics, close-knit intellectual community, and commitment to social responsibility. Here are some key factors contributing to Swarthmore’s reputation:
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Academic Excellence: Swarthmore consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. It’s known for its challenging curriculum and strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning. The college’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows for individualized attention and close faculty-student relationships, fostering an environment of academic rigor.
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Unique Honors Program: Swarthmore’s Honors Program, inspired by the tutorial system at Oxford University, is highly selective and distinctive. Students in the Honors Program participate in small seminars and prepare extensively for oral exams led by outside experts. This program is ideal for self-motivated students seeking an in-depth, independent academic experience.
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Commitment to Social Responsibility: Swarthmore has a longstanding tradition of activism and social justice. It was one of the first colleges to promote ethical values and civic engagement as core parts of its mission. The Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility supports student initiatives focused on community service, social equity, and global issues.
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Focus on Interdisciplinary Studies: Swarthmore encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary studies, blending fields like peace and conflict studies, environmental studies, and linguistics with social science and humanities perspectives. This approach gives students the flexibility to explore complex topics from multiple angles.
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Strong Science and Engineering Programs: Uncommon for a liberal arts college, Swarthmore offers a comprehensive Engineering program with a focus on ethical and social considerations. Its biology, physics, and computer science programs are also highly regarded, giving students a solid foundation in STEM fields.
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Influence and Alumni Success: Swarthmore alumni have made significant contributions across various sectors, including government, academia, and the arts. Notable alumni include Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and leaders in social justice and public service. This alumni network reflects Swarthmore’s emphasis on producing engaged, responsible citizens.
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Beautiful Campus and Location: Located just outside of Philadelphia, Swarthmore’s campus is a designated arboretum, featuring stunning gardens, natural woodlands, and historical architecture. The college’s proximity to Philadelphia provides students access to a vibrant urban center for internships, culture, and research.
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Collaborative Culture: Swarthmore is known for its supportive and collaborative student culture. Rather than competing, students are encouraged to help each other and focus on intellectual growth, creating a unique academic environment within the highly selective liberal arts landscape.
Swarthmore’s combination of rigorous academics, social consciousness, and close-knit community has established its place as one of the most respected liberal arts institutions in the United States and around the world.
Tuition, Books, Housing & Food Plan, Activities Fee
College Billed Charges for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
| Tuition and Books | $65,058 |
|---|---|
| Housing | $10,478 |
| Food | $9,830 |
| Student Activities Fee | $436 |
| Total Billed Charges | $85,802 |
Swarthmore College has specific language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. The general English language proficiency requirements include the following tests and minimum scores:
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
- Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT).
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Minimum overall band score of 7.5.
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Duolingo English Test:
- Minimum score of 120.
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Cambridge English:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.
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PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
- Minimum score of 68.
Exceptions:
- Students who have completed at least three years of full-time education in an English-speaking country or in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from submitting standardized English test scores.
Swarthmore’s admissions office reviews applications holistically, so meeting the language requirement is just one aspect of the application process. Always double-check with the admissions office for any specific program requirements or updates.
Swarthmore College is renowned for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Some of its standout specialties include:
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Engineering: Swarthmore’s Engineering Department is unique for a liberal arts college, offering a broad-based engineering education that integrates technical knowledge with social responsibility and ethics. Students receive a solid grounding in both theory and practice, preparing them for various engineering fields or graduate studies.
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Political Science: Swarthmore’s Political Science Department is highly respected, emphasizing political theory, comparative politics, American politics, and international relations. The program’s critical approach and focus on real-world applications prepare students for roles in public policy, law, or academia.
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Economics: The Economics Department at Swarthmore has a strong emphasis on economic theory, econometrics, and public policy. The program also offers a quantitative and analytical approach, which is well-suited for students interested in finance, policy analysis, or economics research.
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Biology and Environmental Studies: Swarthmore’s Biology Department is known for integrating research with learning, especially in areas like molecular biology, ecology, and environmental science. The Environmental Studies program is interdisciplinary, covering the science, policy, and social aspects of environmental issues, and includes fieldwork.
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Computer Science: Although smaller than many university programs, Swarthmore’s Computer Science Department is robust, offering courses in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and theory. The program emphasizes problem-solving and computational thinking.
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Psychology and Neuroscience: The Psychology Department offers a comprehensive program that includes cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, and social psychology. The interdisciplinary neuroscience program allows students to explore the connections between brain function and behavior.
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Classics and Philosophy: Swarthmore’s Classics and Philosophy Departments are well-regarded, emphasizing rigorous analytical and critical thinking skills. The college has a tradition of excellence in these disciplines, preparing students for careers in academia, law, and public service.
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Peace and Conflict Studies: Swarthmore is one of the few liberal arts colleges with a dedicated Peace and Conflict Studies program. The interdisciplinary program draws from sociology, political science, anthropology, and history to explore the causes of conflict and pathways to peace.
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Linguistics: Swarthmore offers a unique and well-respected linguistics program, examining the structure, use, and psychology of language. The program is interdisciplinary, often combined with studies in psychology, anthropology, and cognitive science.
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Mathematics and Statistics: Swarthmore’s Mathematics and Statistics Department offers a broad curriculum, including advanced courses in pure and applied mathematics, as well as statistics and data science.
Swarthmore’s programs emphasize a critical and analytical approach to learning, encouraging students to connect their studies to broader social, ethical, and global contexts.
Swarthmore College has had notable alumni and faculty who have contributed to fields that align with the Nobel Prize, although the college itself does not have any Nobel laureates among its faculty or alumni as of now. However, Swarthmore’s intellectual environment and academic rigor have produced numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to science, politics, economics, and social justice.
Notable figures with connections to Swarthmore College include:
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Richard H. Thaler – Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2017): Richard Thaler, known for his pioneering work in behavioral economics, is an alumnus of Swarthmore College. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions to understanding how human psychology affects economic decision-making.
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J. Michael Bishop – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1989): J. Michael Bishop, a prominent molecular biologist, received the Nobel Prize for his work in discovering the role of oncogenes in the development of cancer. He attended Swarthmore College before completing his graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania.
Though Swarthmore College is not typically associated with having multiple Nobel laureates, the intellectual climate at the college has helped foster many individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to their fields.