Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs Swarthmore College
- Lehigh Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 18
- Swarthmore Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs Lehigh University's $36,931, 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than Swarthmore College
Swarthmore
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $13,782 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?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% 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 Lehigh University over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Swarthmore College over Lehigh University. Net price $23,149 vs $36,931.
Pick Swarthmore College over Lehigh University. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Swarthmore College over Lehigh University. 93% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh 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 Lehigh University takes 26%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,440 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 $13,782 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $55,128 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, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
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 Lehigh 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 $13,782 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $25,327 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. Lehigh University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while Swarthmore College leans toward Social Sciences, 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 $36,931 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,960, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Lehigh University's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Lehigh University's enrollment of 5,898 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Swarthmore College has less business program depth, and Lehigh University offers the stronger options.
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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
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
Lehigh University and Swarthmore College appear together in 3 rankings. On the Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania, Lehigh University ranks #4 — Lehigh University outranks Swarthmore College by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Lehigh's top program is Business Administration (23% of enrollment), while Swarthmore leads with Sociology (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while Swarthmore College concentrates in Social Sciences, 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 Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 26% at Lehigh University.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Lehigh University or Swarthmore College graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 89%.
Lehigh 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 1.9%.
Should you choose Lehigh University or Swarthmore College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Lehigh 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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