5 Reasons to Love Swarthmore College!
Pass/Fail First Semester
Swarthmore really believes in supporting students in the transition to college. To alleviate academic pressure and allow students to focus on getting adjusted, building new relationships, and adapting to their new environment, the entire first semester is graded Pass/Fail.
2. Swarthmore Tuition Guarantee
Swarthmore is a need-blind institution for domestic students, and is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need without the use of loans. Starting in Fall 2027, Swarthmore will cover tuition costs for students whose family makes $200,000 or less per year.
3. Tri-Co
Swarthmore is part of the Tri-College Consortium with Haverford College and Bryn Mawr College. Students can cross enroll in classes, join clubs and organizations, enjoy meals, access resources, and travel freely between the three campuses.
In addition to Tri-Co, students are also able to enroll in one class per semester at the University of Pennsylvania.
4. Cash-Free Campus
Swarthmore’s commitment to affordability extends to its no-hidden-fees policy on campus. All fees are included in the Cost of Attendance, so once students are on campus, they don’t need to pay for anything! This includes food, laundry, printing, shuttles, and even 8 rides per day on the train that connects Swarthmore with Center City Philadelphia.
5. Arboretum Campus
The Scott Arboretum and Gardens are fully integrated into the Swarthmore campus. Walking through campus, you’ll find thousands of varieties of plants and trees, all labeled with name plates, as well as bountiful lawns, Parrish Beach, and an outdoor amphitheater where students can study, relax, and spend time outside. Swarthmore is a green oasis just miles outside of Philadelphia, giving students the best of both nature and an urban life.