Swarthmore  /  Financial aid

Paying for Swarthmore

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Swarthmore actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Swarthmore for families earning under $200,000 a year. Meets 100% of demonstrated need, no loans in aid packages; free tuition for families under $200k starting Fall 2027

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Swarthmore's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$5,860/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$8,701/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$13,744/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$25,800/yr after aid
$110k+$39,646/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$88,696
Tuition & fees$65,494
Room & board$22,566
Average net price$22,469
Students on aid55%
Financial needMeets 100% of demonstrated need
International studentsOffers need-based aid to international students

Swarthmore cost & aid FAQ

How much does Swarthmore cost after financial aid?

The average family pays about $22,469 per year at Swarthmore after grants and scholarships, against a sticker price of $88,696. Use the calculator to estimate your own net price by family income.

What does Swarthmore cost by family income?

At Swarthmore, the average total net price (tuition, room, board and fees, after aid) is about $5,860 per year for families earning under $30,000 and about $39,646 for families earning over $110,000. Net price rises with income because most aid is need-based.

Does Swarthmore offer free tuition?

Yes. Swarthmore waives tuition for families earning under $200,000 a year. That covers tuition itself; room, board and fees may still apply, so the total cost can be above zero.

Does Swarthmore give financial aid to international students?

Offers need-based aid to international students. International applicants should confirm aid policies directly with Swarthmore's financial aid office.

Does Swarthmore meet full financial need?

Meets 100% of demonstrated need. Meeting need means the school aims to cover the gap between its cost and what your family can pay, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

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