Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Union College
- Swarthmore Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 9
- Union Wins
- 7
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs Union College's $34,561, 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.
43 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Swarthmore
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $11,412 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
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than Swarthmore College
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Swarthmore College over Union College. Net price $23,149 vs $34,561.
Pick Swarthmore College over Union College. 93% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and Union 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 Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,395.
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 $11,412 a year below Union College's $34,561. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,648 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, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Swarthmore College to keep costs and debt down; pick Union College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Swarthmore College saves about $11,412 a year, yet Union College graduates earn $8,347 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. Swarthmore College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Union College leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,561 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Union College's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
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
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
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 21% of Union's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Humanities. 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 Union College?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or Union College?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $34,561 at Union College.
Do Swarthmore College or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or Union College?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 83%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Union College 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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