College Costs in Swarthmore, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,113
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$59,390
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,305
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Swarthmore Overview
Population
6,388
Student Population
543 (8.5%)
Cost of Living Index
121 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Swarthmore
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$137,544
Total After Financial Aid
$137,544
Annual Cost
$34,386
Annual After Aid
$34,386
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $137,544 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,562 |
| Total Interest | $49,870 |
| Total Loan Cost | $187,414 |
Universities in Swarthmore
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Swarthmore College | Private | $59,390 |
| Delaware County Community College | Community | $5,070 |
Swarthmore has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Swarthmore vs. National Average
| Category | Swarthmore | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,113 | $10,940 | +$1,173 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,305 | $1,050 | +$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 100 | +21 |
Swarthmore's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Swarthmore
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
543 students
Swarthmore has a total population of 6,388, with approximately 543 college students (8.5% of the population). Swarthmore has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Swarthmore
$58,769
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Swarthmore earn a median starting salary of $58,769, which is $23,769 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $137,544 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,672 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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