Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Swarthmore College vs University of Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore CollegeUniversity of Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate6.9%5.9%
In-State Tuition$62,412$66,104
Out-of-State Tuition$62,412$66,104
Average Net Price$5,242$16,653
Graduation Rate94.0%97.0%

GradFax Analysis

Swarthmore College accepts 6.9% of applicants. University of Pennsylvania accepts 5.9%. Swarthmore College's tuition is $62,412. University of Pennsylvania's is $66,104. Swarthmore College is cheaper. Swarthmore College graduates 94% of students in 6 years. University of Pennsylvania graduates 97%.

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 →Swarthmore College profileUniversity of Pennsylvania profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Swarthmore College or University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania. It accepts 5.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Swarthmore College or University of Pennsylvania more affordable?

Swarthmore College has lower published tuition: $62,412 versus $66,104. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Pennsylvania: 97% of students finish in 6 years. 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.

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