Swarthmore College brand identity

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, United States • Founded 1864 • World Rank #2783

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: Swat
Founded: 1864
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2783
Rank in United States: #323
Motto: Mind the Light
Colours: Garnet and gray
Mascot: Phineas the Phoenix
Students at Swarthmore College
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Established in 1864, the Swarthmore College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Swarthmore (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.

Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Swarthmore College (Swat) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Swarthmore College (Swat) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 160-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Swat also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Swarthmore College's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Address: 500 College Avenue
Postal Code: 19081
Phone: +1 (610) 328 8000
Fax: +1 (610) 328 8547
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academic statistics for Swarthmore College — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Total Students: 1,613
Student Enrollment: 1
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Programs Offered

Below are Swarthmore College's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

69 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 69 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Archeology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences

Showing 10 of 69.

How to apply to Swarthmore College

The standard application path for Swarthmore College, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Swarthmore College runs 69 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Before applying to Swarthmore College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Swarthmore College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.swarthmore.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (610) 328 8000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Swarthmore College

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Swarthmore College as a study destination.

How old is Swarthmore College?

The institution opened in 1864 (approximately 162 years ago).

What city is Swarthmore College in?

Swarthmore College operates from Swarthmore, United States.

Is Swarthmore College public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How big is Swarthmore College's student body?

Swarthmore College serves approximately 1,000-1,999 students.

How is Swarthmore College ranked?

Swarthmore College is ranked #2783 globally and #323 in United States.

Is Swarthmore College accredited?

Swarthmore College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

How do I find Swarthmore College online?

You can find Swarthmore College online at www.swarthmore.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below are the highest-ranked universities in the United States — natural comparison points for Swarthmore College. Top institutions in the United States typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Membership in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside Swarthmore College in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Swarthmore College. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Liberal Arts. Some the United States institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.

Universities Compared with Swarthmore College

Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.

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