Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs University of California-San Diego
- Swarthmore Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 16
- California-San Diego Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Swarthmore College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 87%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,149 compared to University of California-San Diego's $12,470 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-San Diego's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
46 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Swarthmore
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-San Diego
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Swarthmore College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $10,679 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); California-San Diego in Biology & Biomedical (19%). 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 University of California-San Diego over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Swarthmore College. Net price $12,470 vs $23,149.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of California-San Diego. 93% completion rate vs 87%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 University of California-San Diego takes 27%.
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, University of California-San Diego comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,470, about $10,679 a year below Swarthmore College's $23,149. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $17,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $42,716 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-San Diego leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-San Diego graduates report median earnings of $84,943, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 87%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 University of California-San Diego to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Swarthmore College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of California-San Diego leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,149 runs well above University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-San Diego's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 2 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
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.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.
Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Swarthmore College is featured on the Best Education Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Swarthmore's top program is Sociology (25% of enrollment), while California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
California-San Diego
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Engineering, Psychology. 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 University of California-San Diego?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $23,149 at Swarthmore College.
Do Swarthmore College or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
University of California-San Diego graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,943 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or University of California-San Diego?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 87%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or University of California-San Diego?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-San Diego if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Swarthmore College if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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