Swarthmore admitted 7.5% of applicants for fall 2025 (977 of 12,995, Common Data Set 2025-26). Swarthmore admitted 18% of early decision applicants (228 of 1,281). Swarthmore is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1480–1550.
The numbers
Applied
12,995
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
33–35
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
44%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$60
waivers exist
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Can I get into Swarthmore?
7.5% of applicants get in
Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1480–1550 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
12,995 applied, 977 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Swarthmore need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 39% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1520 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 228 of 1,281 early decision applicants got in (18%), against 7.5% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
5days
Early decisionBinding
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
55days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
55days
Regular decision
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
There is a wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Swarthmore looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, recommendations, character.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, interview, activities, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, state residency, religion, volunteering, work experience.
As Swarthmore rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Swarthmore College's acceptance rate?
Swarthmore admitted 7.5% of applicants for fall 2025 (977 of 12,995, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Swarthmore College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1480–1550. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Swarthmore College early decision?
For fall 2025, 228 of 1,281 early decision applicants got in (18%), against 7.5% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: swarthmore.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: swarthmore.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
