Head-to-Head Comparison
Swarthmore College vs Washington University in St Louis
- Swarthmore Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 19
- Washington St Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington University in St Louis offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,786 vs Swarthmore College's $23,149, Washington University in St Louis delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Washington University in St Louis benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $86,182 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Swarthmore
- 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
Washington St
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than Swarthmore College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,786, roughly $1,363 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Swarthmore graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis over Swarthmore College. Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment vs $80,257.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over Swarthmore College. Net price $21,786 vs $23,149.
Pick Swarthmore College over Washington University in St Louis. 2.3% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Swarthmore College and Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,534 to 1,530.
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, Washington University in St Louis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,786, about $1,363 a year below Swarthmore College's $23,149.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,452 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington University in St Louis leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Washington University in St Louis graduates report median earnings of $86,182, compared with $80,257 at Swarthmore College. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.22x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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 Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. Swarthmore College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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 Washington University in St Louis to keep costs and debt down; pick Swarthmore College if upward mobility and access matter most.
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, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington University in St Louis's enrollment, and Swarthmore College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Washington University in St Louis's enrollment of 7,857 far exceeds Swarthmore College's 1,613.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
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 Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
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 Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. Swarthmore College is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering, 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Swarthmore College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 12% at Washington University in St Louis.
Which is more affordable, Swarthmore College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,786 after aid versus $23,149 at Swarthmore College.
Do Swarthmore College or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,257 at Swarthmore College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Swarthmore College or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 93%.
Swarthmore College vs Washington University in St Louis: 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%.
Should you choose Swarthmore College or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington University in St Louis if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Swarthmore College if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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