Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs University of Notre Dame
- Swarthmore Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 14
- Notre Dame Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Swarthmore College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Notre Dame achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $26,780 compared to Swarthmore College's $23,149. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Swarthmore College'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
Swarthmore
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,149, roughly $3,631 a year less
- 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
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than Swarthmore College
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Notre Dame in Business & Marketing (27%). 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 Notre Dame over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Notre Dame. Net price $23,149 vs $26,780.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Notre Dame. 2.3% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and University of Notre Dame 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 University of Notre Dame takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,520.
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 $3,631 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,524 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, University of Notre Dame graduates report median earnings of $99,980, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Notre Dame has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% 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.
Moving people up
Swarthmore College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.3%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
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; pick University of Notre Dame for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Swarthmore College saves about $3,631 a year, yet University of Notre Dame graduates earn $19,723 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, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Notre Dame leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Swarthmore College has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $26,780 runs well above Swarthmore College's $23,149.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Notre Dame's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Notre Dame's enrollment of 8,818 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
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 Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.
Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.
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 Notre Dame leads with Business Administration (27%).
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 Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in 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 Notre Dame?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or University of Notre Dame?
Swarthmore College is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,149 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do Swarthmore College or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 93%.
Swarthmore College vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
Swarthmore College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.3% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Swarthmore College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Notre Dame 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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