Swarthmore College

500 College Ave, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081, United States

University Type

Private

Pennsylvania,

United States

Year Established:

1864

The name "Swarthmore" has its roots in early Quaker history. In England, Swarthmoor Hall near the town of Ulverston, Cumbria, (previously in Lancashire), was the home of Thomas and Margaret Fell in 1652 when George Fox, (1624–1691), fresh from his epiphany atop Pendle Hill in 1651, came to visit. The visitation turned into a long association, as Fox persuaded the couple of his views. Swarthmore was used for the first meetings of what became known as the Religious Society of Friends (later colloquially labeled "The Quakers").
The college was founded in 1864 by Deborah Fisher Wharton, along with her industrialist son, Joseph Wharton, together with a committee of members of the Hicksite Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. It is the only college founded by the Hicksite branch of the Society of Friends: previous Quaker institutions, like nearby Haverford College, were Orthodox in their founding history. Swarthmore held its first classes in 1869 and Edward Parrish (1822–1872) was the first president. Lucretia Mott (1793–1880) and Martha Ellicott Tyson (1795–1873) were among those Friends who insisted that the new college of Swarthmore be coeducational. Edward Hicks Magill, the second president, served for 17 years.[19] His daughter, Helen Magill, (1853–1944), was in the first class to graduate in 1873; in 1877, she was the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D.

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Rankings

#875

QS

Swarthmore College Program Rankings

  • Liberal Arts Colleges - Rank #3 (US News)

Swarthmore College Highlights

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FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College is primarily an undergraduate institution known for its strong liberal arts curriculum. Popular majors include Biology, Economics, Engineering, Political Science, and Psychology. While Swarthmore doesn't offer graduate programs, it provides a rigorous academic environment that prepares students for advanced studies in numerous fields.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Swarthmore College?

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the tuition fee at Swarthmore College is approximately $57,700 USD. Additional costs including room, board, and fees bring the total to about $76,600 USD. Converted to Indian Rupees at an approximate exchange rate of 83 INR to 1 USD, this amounts to approximately ₹63,57,800 INR.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College offers a range of need-based financial aid options and grants to eligible students. To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The college is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

What is the reputation and ranking of Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College is highly regarded for its rigorous academics and commitment to undergraduate education. It is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Specific programs such as Political Science, Biology, and Engineering are particularly well-respected, reflecting the college's strong emphasis on both the sciences and humanities.

What is the campus culture like at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College boasts a vibrant campus culture with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. The college hosts annual events such as the Swarthmore Spring Fling and the Crum Regatta. Students engage in a wide range of interests through over 100 clubs including arts, sports, cultural groups, and academic societies. The campus environment is inclusive, fostering a strong sense of community and active participation.

What are the housing options at Swarthmore College?

Swarthmore College primarily offers on-campus housing options including residence halls, special interest houses, and themed housing communities. About 95% of students live on campus. For those interested in off-campus living, popular nearby areas include the borough of Swarthmore and the towns of Media and Springfield, which offer a variety of rental options convenient for students.

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Swarthmore College Fun Facts

  • Crum Regatta

    Swarthmore's annual Crum Regatta involves makeshift boats racing on the Crum Creek. A quirky, creative tradition where engineering meets hilarity on water.

  • Worthstock Music Festival

    Every spring, Swarthmore hosts Worthstock, a mini music festival named after Worth Courtyard. It's a day filled with music, food, and relaxation, marking the end of classes.

  • Scott Arboretum

    The entire Swarthmore campus is part of the Scott Arboretum, showcasing over 4,000 types of plants. It’s a living, breathing classroom for students and a haven for plant lovers.

  • Parrish Hall Tradition

    New Swarthmore students uphold the tradition of running through Parrish Hall, the main administrative building, during orientation. It's a fun and exhilarating welcome to their college life.