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Swarthmore College and Curtis Institute of Music are both private nonprofit institutions — Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA and Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, 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.
Philadelphia, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 4.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 109
Tuition: Not reported
Student-faculty ratio: 2.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.2%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Philadelphia, PA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts.
| Factor | Swarthmore College | Curtis Institute of Music |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7.5% | 4.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1490–1560 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 33–35 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,613 | 109 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,494/year | Not reported |
| Average net price after aid | $23,149 | Not reported |
| Graduation rate | 92.3% | 96.2% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $80,257 | Not reported |
| Student-faculty ratio | 7.0:1 | 2.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Swarthmore, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Computer science, Biological sciences | Visual and performing arts |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (7.5% vs 4.6%). Curtis Institute of Music reports the higher graduation rate (96.2% vs 92.3%). Swarthmore College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,613 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.
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Common questions when choosing between Swarthmore College and Curtis Institute of Music
Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7.5%; Curtis Institute of Music is around 4.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Swarthmore College tuition is $65,494/year. Curtis Institute of Music is Not reported. 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.
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