Profile

Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts school in Swarthmore, PA, whose students are known for their academic intensity. Founded in 1864, the college is located just 11 miles outside Philadelphia. Students can choose from more than 40 courses of study. First-year seminars are capped at just 12 students. Swarthmore is a member of the Tri-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford, and students can cross-register for courses at the nearby University of Pennsylvania. The school’s unique and rigorous honors program, which is modeled after Oxford University, brings over 100 outside scholars to campus each spring to give honors students their oral examinations. Two-thirds of students participate in research or independent projects before they graduate. Swarthmore meets 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need through grants and campus jobs. Those looking to get involved outside of the classroom and laboratory can participate in more than 100 student clubs and organizations. Around 93% of students live on Swarthmore’s campus, which is home to the 300-acre Scott Arboretum. Swarthmore is the third-highest producer of Ph.D. students in the country, and nearly 20% of students enter graduate or professional school after graduation. On the Sunday night before the first day of fall classes, first year students gather to watch “The Graduate” in celebration of the new school year; graduating students repeat the ritual during senior week. Every year, students engage in a “pterodactyl hunt,” in which student-monsters clash with student-heroes with foam bats. The Swarthmore Garnet compete in NCAA Division III athletics.