Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Swarthmore College
- New York Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 15
- Swarthmore Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs New York University's $37,050, 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.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than Swarthmore College
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Swarthmore
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $13,901 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
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 New York University over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Swarthmore College over New York University. Net price $23,149 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Swarthmore College. 3.6% mobility rate vs 2.3%.
Pick Swarthmore College over New York University. 93% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and Swarthmore College are close on paper, but Swarthmore College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 New York University takes 9%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 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 $13,901 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $55,604 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, New York University graduates report median earnings of $82,509, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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 88%. 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
New York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at Swarthmore College, it is 2.3%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York University 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 New York 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 $13,901 a year, yet New York University graduates earn $2,252 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, with a 7% admit rate, but New York University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.6%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, 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 $37,050 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,500, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of New York University's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: New York University's enrollment of 28,663 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
No strong negative signals — Swarthmore competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 New York) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Business & Marketing, while Swarthmore College concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 New York University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 9% at New York University.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York University or Swarthmore College graduates earn more?
New York University graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Swarthmore College?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 88%.
New York University vs Swarthmore College: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 2.3%.
Should you choose New York University or Swarthmore College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York 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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