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Swarthmore College and Franklin and Marshall College are both private nonprofit institutions — Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA and Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, 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.
Lancaster, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 28.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,799
Tuition: $70,794/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 83.8%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Lancaster, PA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
| Factor | Swarthmore College | Franklin and Marshall College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 7.5% | 28.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1490–1560 |
| 1310–1463 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 33–35 | 30–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,613 | 1,799 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $65,494/year | $70,794/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,149 | $36,425 |
| Graduation rate | 92.3% | 83.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $80,257 | $76,124 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Swarthmore, PA | Lancaster, PA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Computer science, Biological sciences | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing |
Swarthmore College is more selective (7.5% vs 28.2% acceptance rate). Swarthmore College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($23,149 vs $36,425). Swarthmore College reports the higher graduation rate (92.3% vs 83.8%). Franklin and Marshall College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,799 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 Franklin and Marshall College
Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7.5%; Franklin and Marshall College is around 28.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Swarthmore College tuition is $65,494/year. Franklin and Marshall College is $70,794/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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