Head-to-Head Comparison
Bryant University vs Swarthmore College
- Bryant Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 7
- Swarthmore Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs Bryant University's $41,219, Swarthmore College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Swarthmore College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Bryant
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than Swarthmore College
Swarthmore
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $18,070 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Bryant graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (82% of degrees); Swarthmore in Social Sciences (25%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Bryant University over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Swarthmore College over Bryant University. Net price $23,149 vs $41,219.
Pick Swarthmore College over Bryant University. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Swarthmore College over Bryant University. 93% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Bryant University and Swarthmore College are close on paper, but Swarthmore College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Swarthmore College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while Bryant University takes 65%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,265 to 1,534.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Swarthmore College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Swarthmore College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,149, about $18,070 a year below Bryant University's $41,219. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $26,849.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $72,280 before any change in aid. Choosing Swarthmore College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Bryant University graduates report median earnings of $90,008, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Swarthmore College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Swarthmore College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.3%; at Bryant University, it is 1.6%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Swarthmore College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Swarthmore College to keep costs and debt down; pick Bryant University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Swarthmore College saves about $18,070 a year, yet Bryant University graduates earn $9,751 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Bryant University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Swarthmore College leans toward Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,219 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,849, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Bryant University's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Bryant University's enrollment of 3,194 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
- Business and consulting-track students: Swarthmore College has less business program depth, and Bryant University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Bryant University
Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of around 3,200 students and an acceptance rate of 65%, Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a great fit for those interested in business and marketing, as well as fields like mathematics, social sciences, and communications. The school’s focus on practical skills and real-world applications prepares students well for their future careers. Students here can expect to be engaged in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes collaboration and innovation.
After graduation, the financial outlook for Bryant alumni is strong, with a median earning of $90,008 ten years after completing their degree. This figure is significant as it indicates that many graduates find solid career opportunities. Additionally, the affordability of Bryant is notable, as its net price after financial aid is $41,219, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. This means that students who invest in their education at Bryant can expect a good return on that investment.
When considering the practical aspects of attending Bryant, it’s important to look at the financial implications. The median debt for graduates stands at $26,849, which is reasonable given the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the supportive community and resources available. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many find their place and succeed in reaching their educational goals.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Swarthmore College is a great fit for students who are academically driven and ready to be challenged. The school attracts those who are passionate about their studies, especially in areas like Social Sciences, Computer Science and IT, Biology, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The strong emphasis on a well-rounded education means students here are not just focusing on their major but are encouraged to explore a variety of disciplines, which can lead to a richer college experience.
Looking ahead, graduates from Swarthmore can expect substantial earnings, with a median income of $80,257 ten years after they leave. This is a significant figure that reflects both the quality of education and the strong alumni network that can support career growth. The affordability aspect is also noteworthy; while college can be expensive, the net price after aid is about $23,149, which makes it more accessible for many families. This balance of cost and outcome is crucial for students considering their long-term financial futures.
In terms of financial health, students graduate with a median debt of $17,500, which is relatively manageable compared to other institutions. Those who thrive at Swarthmore tend to be self-motivated and engaged, finding ways to not only excel academically but also to make the most of the college experience through extracurricular activities and community involvement. This school cultivates a culture where hard work and curiosity can lead to both personal and professional success.
Rankings They Appear On
Swarthmore College is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Bryant's top program is Business Administration (82% of enrollment), while Swarthmore leads with Sociology (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Bryant) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore).
The two schools feed different job markets. Bryant University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while Swarthmore College concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bryant University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 65% at Bryant University.
Which is more affordable, Bryant University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $41,219 at Bryant University.
Do Bryant University or Swarthmore College graduates earn more?
Bryant University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,008 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Bryant University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 80%.
Bryant University vs Swarthmore College: which is better for social mobility?
Swarthmore College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.3% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Bryant University or Swarthmore College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Bryant University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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