Swarthmore College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is known for its highly selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Swarthmore reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 6.9%, reflecting its continued competitiveness. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of high-achieving students vying for a limited number of spots each year. Factors such as academic rigor, holistic review processes, and an emphasis on diversity contribute to the low acceptance rate. Fortunately, Swarthmore publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing reliable insights into its admissions trends.
Over the past decade, Swarthmore’s acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as more students apply to top-tier liberal arts colleges. The Early Decision option remains a strategic pathway for applicants, often yielding higher acceptance rates due to demonstrated interest. International admissions are also notably competitive, with rates slightly above the overall average but still low due to the college’s small class sizes. Compared to peer institutions like Amherst and Williams, Swarthmore’s selectivity is on par, often hovering below 10%. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Swarthmore admissions page at swarthmore.edu or review the Common Data Set for detailed breakdowns.
