Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Carnegie Mellon University vs Swarthmore College

Pittsburgh, PA · Swarthmore, PA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Carnegie Mellon UniversitySwarthmore College
Acceptance Rate11.4%6.9%
In-State Tuition$63,829$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition$63,829$62,412
Average Net Price$20,340$5,242
Graduation Rate93.0%94.0%

GradFax Analysis

Carnegie Mellon University accepts 11.4% of applicants. Swarthmore College accepts 6.9%. Tuition is close: $63,829 at Carnegie Mellon University, $62,412 at Swarthmore College. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Carnegie Mellon University, 94% at Swarthmore College.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Carnegie Mellon University profileSwarthmore College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Carnegie Mellon University or Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College. It accepts 6.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Carnegie Mellon University or Swarthmore College more affordable?

Swarthmore College has lower published tuition: $62,412 versus $63,829. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Carnegie Mellon University is at 93%; Swarthmore College is at 94%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Carnegie Mellon University vs Swarthmore College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax