Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Syracuse University
- Swarthmore Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 12
- Syracuse Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs Syracuse University's $38,793, 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.
49 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Swarthmore
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Syracuse University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $15,644 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
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Syracuse
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Swarthmore College over Syracuse University. Net price $23,149 vs $38,793.
Pick Syracuse University over Swarthmore College. 2.9% mobility rate vs 2.3%.
Pick Swarthmore College over Syracuse University. 93% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and Syracuse University 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,375.
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 $15,644 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $62,576 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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
Syracuse University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Swarthmore College, it is 2.3%. Syracuse University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Syracuse 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 Syracuse University 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
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, with a 7% admit rate, but Syracuse University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Swarthmore College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while Syracuse University leans toward Communications, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Swarthmore competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Swarthmore College is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 25% of Swarthmore's student body and 13% of Syracuse's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while Syracuse University concentrates in Communications, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Swarthmore College or Syracuse University?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or Syracuse University?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Swarthmore College or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Swarthmore College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or Syracuse University?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 82%.
Swarthmore College vs Syracuse University: which is better for social mobility?
Syracuse University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 2.3%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse University 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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