Swarthmore College is a highly selective college of liberal arts and engineering that empowers leaders to contribute to a better world. Swatties are intellectual adventurers who collaborate, dive deep, and put ideas to work - and we've been doing that for more than 150 years. All students have significant undergraduate research opportunities in the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and the humanities, and engineering. One hallmark of the College's academic program is that first-year students take their fall semester courses pass/fail. Swarthmore encourages its students to focus on learning for the sake of knowledge. Our liberal arts curriculum allows students to explore a breadth of academic subjects and interests, though some Swatties decide to take a deep dive into their area of interest. Our arboretum campus is a serene setting that inspires us with lush gardens and magnificent forests. Swarthmore's ongoing environmental sustainability work builds proudly on our Quaker legacy of shared responsibility, social justice, and resource stewardship. Located just 11 miles outside of Philadelphia with a train station on campus, students have access to global career, academic, and cultural opportunities. As a cash-free campus, the annual activity fee covers sports events, movies, performances, late-night coffee and snacks at the library-even laundry and printing. Our processes for admitting students and awarding financial aid help build a student body that reflects a wide range of perspectives and life experiences. Our dedication to affordability and access is rare among colleges and universities. Nearly 55 percent of students received aid in 2019-20, with an average loan-free financial aid award of $56,048. Swarthmore makes admissions decisions for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students graduating from U.S. high schools without considering a family's ability to pay. If admitted, we carefully consider various factors and offer 100 percent of a family's determined need.
