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Swarthmore College and Carnegie Mellon University are both private nonprofit institutions — Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Swarthmore, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 7.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,613
Tuition: $65,494/year
Student-faculty ratio: 7.0:1
Graduation rate: 92.3%
Top programs: Social sciences, Computer science, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Swarthmore, PA with published program strength in Social sciences and Computer science.
Pittsburgh, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 11.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,304
Tuition: $66,246/year
Student-faculty ratio: 5.0:1
Graduation rate: 94.1%
Top programs: Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pittsburgh, PA with published program strength in Engineering and Computer science.
| Factor | Swarthmore College | Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7.5% | 11.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1490–1560 |
| 1500–1570 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,613 | 7,304 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,494/year | $66,246/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,149 | $31,944 |
| Graduation rate | 92.3% | 94.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $80,257 | $114,862 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 7.0:1 | 5.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Swarthmore, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Computer science, Biological sciences | Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics |
Swarthmore College is more selective (7.5% vs 11.7% acceptance rate). Swarthmore College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($23,149 vs $31,944). Carnegie Mellon University reports the higher graduation rate (94.1% vs 92.3%). Carnegie Mellon University is the larger undergraduate campus (7,304 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Swarthmore College and Carnegie Mellon University
Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7.5%; Carnegie Mellon University is around 11.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Swarthmore College tuition is $65,494/year. Carnegie Mellon University is $66,246/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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