Head-to-Head Comparison
Haverford College vs Swarthmore College
- Haverford Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 12
- Swarthmore Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs Haverford College's $25,314, Swarthmore College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Swarthmore College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $80,257 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Haverford
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,621, the lower of the two
Swarthmore
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Haverford College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $2,165 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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?
Haverford graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% 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 Swarthmore College over Haverford College. Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment vs $79,966.
Pick Swarthmore College over Haverford College. Net price $23,149 vs $25,314.
Pick Swarthmore College over Haverford College. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1.8%.
Pick Swarthmore College over Haverford College. 93% completion rate vs 90%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Haverford College 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 Haverford College takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,513 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 $2,165 a year below Haverford College's $25,314. Graduates of Haverford College also borrow less: median debt of $13,621, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,660 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, Swarthmore College graduates report median earnings of $80,257, compared with $79,966 at Haverford College. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Haverford College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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 90%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Haverford College, it is 1.8%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.6%.
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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Haverford College concentrates enrollment in Physical Sciences, while Swarthmore College leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Haverford College's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $13,621 at Haverford College.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
The Overviews
Haverford College
Haverford, PA · Private nonprofit
Haverford College is a tight-knit community that attracts students who are serious about their education and want to engage deeply with their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 12%, this college is selective, making it a fit for those who are academically motivated and ready to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biology, Psychology, and Computer Science. The graduation rate is impressive at 90%, which indicates that students here not only enroll but also succeed in completing their degrees.
Looking ahead, graduates from Haverford can expect solid earning potential, with a median income of around $79,966 ten years after graduation. This is significant when considering the college experience as an investment in the future. Affordability plays a crucial role too, especially since the net price after aid is $25,314, and the median debt for graduates stands at $13,621. This combination suggests that students can manage their financial commitments without being overwhelmingly burdened post-graduation.
When it comes to thriving at Haverford, students who are self-motivated and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment often find their place. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 15% suggests that while there is diversity in financial backgrounds, a significant portion of students come from families that can afford to contribute to their education. Those who embrace the academic rigor and community spirit here are likely to find not just success in their studies, but also a supportive network that lasts beyond their time at Haverford.
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
Haverford College and Swarthmore College appear together in 7 rankings. On the Best Biology Colleges in Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College ranks #2 — Swarthmore College outranks Haverford College by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 28% of Haverford's student body and 25% of Swarthmore's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Haverford) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore).
The two schools feed different job markets. Haverford College is strongest in Physical Sciences, while Swarthmore College concentrates in 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 Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 12% at Haverford College.
Which is more affordable, Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $25,314 at Haverford College.
Do Haverford College or Swarthmore College graduates earn more?
Swarthmore College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,966 at Haverford College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 90%.
Haverford College 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 1.8%.
Should you choose Haverford College or Swarthmore College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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