What SAT score do you need for Swarthmore? (Middle 50%: 1480–1550)
First-year students at Swarthmore who sent an SAT scored 1480–1550, with a median of 1520 (Common Data Set 2025–26). Swarthmore admits 7.5% of applicants and is test optional.
Where your score lands at Swarthmore
First-year students who sent an SAT: 1480–1550, median 1520
Middle 50% of admitted students Median Fewer than half sent a score, so the range runs high
Enter your SAT or ACT to see which tier Swarthmore is for you and whether to send your score.
Swarthmore by the numbers
- Admit rate
- 7.5%
- Middle 50% SAT
- 1480–1550
- Median SAT
- 1520
- About on the ACT
- 33–35
- Sent an SAT
- 40%
Test optional · checked Nov 9, 2026 · Swarthmore admissions · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2025–26; admit rate from it or IPEDS
Swarthmore admit rate over 10 years
Applications rose 67%, from 7,818 in 2015 to 13,065 in 2024, and Swarthmore's admit rate went from 12% to 7.5%.
- 12%
- 7.5%
Show the numbers
| Fall | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13,065 | 975 | 7.5% |
| 2023 | 14,287 | 992 | 6.9% |
| 2022 | 14,707 | 1,019 | 6.9% |
| 2021 | 13,012 | 1,013 | 7.8% |
| 2020 | 11,630 | 1,054 | 9.1% |
| 2019 | 11,442 | 1,022 | 8.9% |
| 2018 | 10,749 | 1,020 | 9.5% |
| 2017 | 9,382 | 1,004 | 11% |
| 2016 | 7,717 | 988 | 13% |
| 2015 | 7,818 | 976 | 12% |
In fall 2024, 427 of the 975 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.
What each SAT score means at Swarthmore
Which tier your score puts them in, and whether it's worth sending.
- Under 1520Far reachHold
- 1520–1540Far reachSend
- 1550 and upReachSend
Tiers here use only your SAT and their admit rate. Essays, activities and recommendations still decide most admissions at selective colleges.
Swarthmore SAT sections, ACT and class rank
Scores of enrolled first-year students who sent one, by percentile.
| Test | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 740 | 770 | 790 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 740 | 760 | 770 |
| SAT total | 1480 | 1520 | 1550 |
| ACT composite | 33 | 34 | 35 |
Of enrolled first-year students, 40% sent an SAT and 15% sent an ACT. Common Data Set 2025–26.
- Top 10% of their class
- 87%
- of new students who reported a rank
Swarthmore cost and outcomes
What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.
- Average net price
- $23,149
- per year, after grants
- Graduate in 6 years
- 92%
- Median earnings
- $80,257
- 10 years after starting
- Undergraduates
- 1,717
College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.
Colleges like Swarthmore
Similar SAT ranges and admit rates.
- PomonaClaremont, CA · 7.1% admitted1490–1550, median 1520
- WilliamsWilliamstown, MA · 8.3% admitted1490–1550, median 1520
- NYUNew York, NY · 9.2% admitted1480–1550, median 1520
- DartmouthHanover, NH · 5.4% admitted1440–1550, median 1520
- BowdoinBrunswick, ME · 7.1% admitted1470–1540, median 1510
- CornellIthaca, NY · 8.8% admitted1490–1550, median 1530
More colleges in Pennsylvania
Sources
- Swarthmore Common Data Set 2025–26
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
- College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
- College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
- Swarthmore admissions
Test policy for 2026–27, checked Nov 9, 2026.
- Swarthmore website
Swarthmore College
Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.
Questions
Still have a question? support@tryashore.com
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