Swarthmore College

Aside from offering one of the most vigorous academic experiences in the world, what’s unique about learning at Swarthmore? Your first semester is pass-fail, so you can learn for learning’s sake. We have a one-of-a-kind Honors Program. And where else can you explore a liberal arts curriculum paired with an accredited engineering program?

At first blush, our arboretum campus will enchant you with its mix of world-renowned gardens and untamed forests. Soon, you may find yourself doing biology fieldwork in the Crum Woods for your animal communication seminar, researching how our system of green roofs reduces energy costs for your environmental economics course, or watching your friends rehearse a theater performance in the beautiful Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. Take a nap on the sun-drenched lawn of Parrish Beach, or clear your head with a trail run through the woods. It’s a place that ultimately helps define your inner landscape.

Swarthmore also gives you what you need to put yourself out there. Self-discovery is communal here. Swatties sharpen their personal vision in collaboration with friends, professors, coaches, and mentors. Swarthmore’s vibrant and authentic campus culture connects you to other people with shared interests—or makes you curious about something you know nothing about. The Tri-Co Consortium, which connects us with Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, allows you to expand your social capital and academic opportunities across three stellar institutions.

And we help you figure out what’s next after college, whether it’s through weeklong externships over winter break, through internships or research opportunities in the summer, or through our advising center for students interested in careers in medicine or law. We will help you find your place in the world and become the person you want to be.

With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, Swarthmore prides itself on an intimate, personal learning environment.

Sharing conversations in a cozy eight-person house or a lively 200-person dorm, over organic and locally grown food in the dining hall or over a hot beverage in one of several campus coffee bars, living on campus is a central part of the Swarthmore experience.

there are more than 100 student-run clubs and organizations to choose from

At Swarthmore, students listen deeply and share experiences with those who have different viewpoints, identities, and histories. The diversity of perspectives represented by our students contributes to our community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.

Swarthmore's distinctive Honors Program embodies intellectual self-direction, characterized by deep student-faculty collaboration, and exams given by leaders in their fields from around the world.

Swarthmore students frequently receive grants and prizes for their research. In fact, the College has been named one of the top producers of U.S. Fulbright Scholars and Students.

Admission and financial aid decisions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents are made independently at Swarthmore. Financial aid awards meet the determined need for admitted students, without loans.

Swarthmore's pastoral 425-acre campus is the home of the renowned Scott Arboretum, which boasts robust gardens and more than 4,000 plant varieties.

Academic Programs

Swarthmore offers more than 40 courses of study, and provides the opportunity for students to design their own major. More than 600 courses are offered on campus each year.

Member of Tri-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, cross-registration with the University of Pennsylvania is also offered

Campus

425 acres, comprising the Scott Arboretum, featuring rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails