Head-to-Head Comparison
Princeton University vs Swarthmore College
- Princeton Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 15
- Swarthmore Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Princeton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,128 vs Swarthmore College's $23,149, Princeton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Princeton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Princeton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than Swarthmore College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,128, roughly $17,021 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,320, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Swarthmore
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Princeton graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (20% 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 Princeton University over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Princeton University over Swarthmore College. Net price $6,128 vs $23,149.
Pick Swarthmore College over Princeton University. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1.3%.
Pick Princeton University over Swarthmore College. 97% completion rate vs 93%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Princeton University and Swarthmore College are close on paper, but Princeton University 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
Princeton University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Swarthmore College takes 7%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,534.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Princeton University 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, Princeton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,128, about $17,021 a year below Swarthmore College's $23,149. Graduates of Princeton University also borrow less: median debt of $10,320, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $68,084 before any change in aid. Choosing Princeton University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Princeton University graduates report median earnings of $110,066, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Princeton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.09x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% 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
Princeton University graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 93%. 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 Princeton University, it is 1.3%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
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 Princeton University to keep costs and debt down; pick Swarthmore College if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Princeton University is harder to get into, with a 5% admit rate, but Swarthmore College posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Princeton University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Swarthmore College leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 Princeton University's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Princeton University's enrollment of 5,709 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,149 runs well above Princeton University's $6,128.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $17,500, against $10,320 at Princeton University.
- Engineering-focused students: Princeton University has the stronger engineering programs.
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
The Overviews
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.
After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.
When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.
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
Princeton University and Swarthmore College appear together in 7 rankings. On the Best Colleges in America, Princeton University ranks #1 — Princeton University outranks Swarthmore College by 32 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 20% of Princeton'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 Princeton) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore).
The two schools feed different job markets. Princeton University is strongest in Engineering, 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 Princeton University or Swarthmore College?
Princeton University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 7% at Swarthmore College.
Which is more affordable, Princeton University or Swarthmore College?
Princeton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,128 after aid versus $23,149 at Swarthmore College.
Do Princeton University or Swarthmore College graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Princeton University or Swarthmore College?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 93%.
Princeton 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 1.3%.
Should you choose Princeton University or Swarthmore College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Princeton University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Swarthmore College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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