Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Swarthmore Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 18
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Swarthmore College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,149 compared to University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Wisconsin-Madison benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,792 at ten years.
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, 9% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 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
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $5,795 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). 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 Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Swarthmore College. Net price $17,354 vs $23,149.
Pick Swarthmore College over University of Wisconsin-Madison. 93% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,427.
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 Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $5,795 a year below Swarthmore College's $23,149. Graduates of Swarthmore College also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,180 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Swarthmore College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Swarthmore 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. University of Wisconsin-Madison saves about $5,795 a year, yet Swarthmore College graduates earn $6,465 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing. 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 Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Business and consulting-track students: Swarthmore College has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $17,500 at Swarthmore College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 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 Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
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 Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
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 Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $23,149 at Swarthmore College.
Do Swarthmore College or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Swarthmore College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,257 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 89%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Swarthmore 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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