Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs University of Connecticut
- Swarthmore Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 15
- Connecticut Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,149 vs University of Connecticut's $25,097, 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
Swarthmore
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than University of Connecticut
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $1,948 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Connecticut
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Connecticut 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 University of Connecticut. Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment vs $73,997.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Connecticut. Net price $23,149 vs $25,097.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Connecticut. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1.7%.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Connecticut. 93% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and University of Connecticut are close on paper, but Swarthmore College wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Connecticut takes 52%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,348.
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 $1,948 a year below University of Connecticut's $25,097. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,792 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 $73,997 at University of Connecticut. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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 84%. 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.
Moving people up
Swarthmore College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.3%; at University of Connecticut, it is 1.7%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.7%.
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 Swarthmore College to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Swarthmore College concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Connecticut leans toward Health Professions, 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.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Connecticut's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Connecticut's enrollment of 19,835 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
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
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 Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
More than 19,800 students call the University of Connecticut home, making it one of the largest public universities in New England. With an acceptance rate of 52%, it balances accessibility and selectivity, welcoming a diverse range of students to its Storrs campus.
Graduates from UConn see a strong return on investment, with a median earnings figure of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Although specific mobility rates are not available, the high graduation rate of 84% suggests that the majority of students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of positive outcomes for those who enroll.
Attending UConn costs an average net price of $25,097, while 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping lower-income students access higher education. With a median debt of $21,500, graduates leave with manageable financial burdens. Students thrive in programs like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering, where strong career paths are prevalent.
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 Connecticut's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Swarthmore) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Connecticut).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Connecticut concentrates in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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 Connecticut?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 52% at University of Connecticut.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or University of Connecticut?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $25,097 at University of Connecticut.
Do Swarthmore College or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
Swarthmore College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or University of Connecticut?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 84%.
Swarthmore College vs University of Connecticut: which is better for social mobility?
Swarthmore College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.3% versus 1.7%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or University of Connecticut?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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