Swarthmore Acceptance Rate: Class of 2029 Admissions Statistics

Swarthmore College’s latest acceptance rate stands at 7.4% for the Class of 2029. Consistently ranked among the top three liberal arts colleges, Swarthmore attracts highly accomplished applicants, making the admissions process incredibly competitive. If you’re aiming for a spot at this prestigious college, your application needs to stand out.

In this blog, we’ll break down what Swarthmore’s acceptance rate really means, how it has evolved over time, and what you can do to maximize your chances of admission. Whether you’re applying through Early Decision, Regular Decision, or as a transfer student, understanding these numbers will help you develop a more strategic approach.

• What Is Swarthmore College’s Acceptance Rate?
• Swarthmore College Acceptance Rate Trends
• Swarthmore College Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Swarthmore College Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Swarthmore College
• Swarthmore College Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Swarthmore College Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Swarthmore College’s Acceptance Rate?

Swarthmore College’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 dropped slightly to 7.4%, with 965 students admitted from a total of 12,995 applicants. That’s just under the Class of 2028’s 7.5%, when 974 students were admitted out of 13,065 applicants. The small but steady decline highlights Swarthmore’s growing selectivity and its continued focus on building a high-achieving, well-rounded incoming class.

Here’s what we know so far about the Class of 2029:

Swarthmore hasn’t released the full breakdown between Early and Regular Decision for the Class of 2029 yet, but based on previous years, there’s usually a pretty noticeable difference between the two. For reference, here’s how things looked for the Class of 2028:

For the Class of 2028, students who applied Early Decision had a much higher acceptance rate—18%, compared to just 6.4% for Regular Decision. That kind of gap has been pretty typical for Swarthmore in recent years. But remember: while applying ED can boost your chances, it’s still highly competitive no matter when you apply.

Swarthmore College’s yield rate

Another important metric Swarthmore College tracks is its yield rate, which represents the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll. For the Class of 2028, the yield rate was 43.8%, with 427 out of 974 admitted students deciding to attend.

To put this into perspective, the national average yield rate for four-year colleges in 2022 was 30%. Public colleges had an even lower average of 25%, while private colleges saw a 33% yield. Compared to these figures, Swarthmore remains well ahead.

Its consistently high yield rate underscores the college’s strong appeal and plays a role in its highly selective admissions process. By attracting highly committed students, Swarthmore ensures that each incoming class is filled with driven and engaged individuals.

Swarthmore College Acceptance Rate Trends

It’s getting harder and harder to get into Swarthmore College. Over the past decade, the school’s acceptance rate has steadily declined—from the double digits to just 7.4% for the Class of 2029. We pulled recent data from Swarthmore’s Common Data Set to trace the trend:

As the numbers show, the days of a 10%+ acceptance rate are long gone. A key factor in the drop has been the growing number of applicants—helped in part by Swarthmore’s test-optional policy, which has widened the applicant pool.

But that’s not the whole story. Swarthmore has kept its class sizes small, which means selectivity has stayed high even as interest in the college continues to grow. And while strong grades and test scores are essential, they’re no longer enough on their own.

Swarthmore looks for students who bring more to the table—deep extracurricular involvement, meaningful leadership, and compelling personal narratives. In a hyper-competitive admissions landscape, standing out is highly necessary.

Swarthmore College’s acceptance rate vs other Ivy League schools

Often called a “Little Ivy,” Swarthmore rivals Ivy League schools in both prestige and selectivity. While Class of 2029 data isn’t fully available for the Ivies yet, comparing Class of 2028 acceptance rates offers a clear sense of where Swarthmore stands:

While Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale report lower acceptance rates—driven in part by applicant pools exceeding 50,000—Swarthmore remains one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. Its 7.5% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 reflects intense competition, even with a smaller applicant pool.

What sets Swarthmore apart is the depth of its admissions process. The college prioritizes academic excellence, intellectual engagement, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. A slightly higher acceptance rate doesn’t mean admission is easier; it means applicants must stand out in a different, but equally demanding, context.

Swarthmore College Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Swarthmore College’s Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 6.4%, with 755 students admitted from a pool of 11,844 applicants. While RD data for the Class of 2029 hasn’t been released yet, recent trends highlight how competitive this round remains.

Why is Regular Decision typically more challenging? A major reason is Swarthmore’s Early Decision (ED) program, which fills a substantial portion of the incoming class. With many spots already taken by ED admits, the RD pool faces tougher odds.

Here’s how Swarthmore’s RD acceptance rates have shifted over the years:

To put it in perspective, RD acceptance rates have dropped from 8.1% in 2022 to as low as 5.9% in 2026. While the 2028 cycle saw a slight uptick, the overall trend remains downward.

For RD applicants, strong academics are just the starting point. With fewer spots and more competition, standout essays, meaningful extracurriculars, and powerful recommendations are essential to make it through Swarthmore’s highly selective process.

Swarthmore College Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Swarthmore College’s Regular Decision deadline is January 4, with decisions typically announced in late March.

Swarthmore College Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Swarthmore College’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 18.0%, with 220 students admitted from a pool of 1,221 applicants. While slightly higher than the two previous cycles, it still reflects a downward trend from earlier years—evidence that ED at Swarthmore is becoming increasingly competitive.

ED results for the Class of 2029 have not yet been released, but here’s how Swarthmore’s ED acceptance rates have changed over time:

Over the past several years, Swarthmore’s ED acceptance rate has declined from 26.3% for the Class of 2022 to 18% for the Class of 2028. Meanwhile, the number of ED applicants has increased, making admission more competitive.

Despite this trend, applying early can still provide an advantage. Swarthmore prioritizes filling a portion of its incoming class through ED, favoring applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to attending. However, the ED applicant pool is highly competitive, meaning strong academics alone won’t be enough—you’ll need compelling essays, standout extracurriculars, and a well-rounded application to stand out.

It’s important to remember that Swarthmore’s ED program is binding, meaning admitted students are required to enroll. This option is best suited for those who are confident Swarthmore is their top choice.

One benefit of applying ED is receiving an admissions decision months earlier than RD applicants, providing clarity and peace of mind. However, rushing an application to meet the early deadline isn’t always the best move—if you need more time to strengthen your application, waiting for Regular Decision might be the smarter choice.

Swarthmore College Early Action deadline and notification date

Swarthmore College’s Early Decision (ED) deadline is November 15, with admissions decisions typically released by December 15.

How to Get Accepted into Swarthmore College

Planning to apply to Swarthmore College? The first step is submitting your application through either the Common or Coalition Application.

But getting your application in on time is just the beginning. Swarthmore takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering more than just grades and test scores. The committee looks for insightful essays, extracurricular activities that reflect genuine passion, and recommendation letters that offer a clear picture of who you are as a student and individual.

Here’s a breakdown of key factors that can help strengthen your application and boost your chances of admission.

Target GPA

Swarthmore College does not specify a minimum GPA, but admissions are highly competitive. While Swarthmore’s Common Data Set does not include specific GPA data, a 4.1 GPA is historically a strong indicator of a competitive applicant.

Swarthmore places a strong emphasis on the rigor of an applicant’s high school coursework, class rank, and overall GPA. Taking challenging AP, IB, or honors courses can demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to intellectual growth.

That said, GPA is just one part of the holistic review process. The admissions committee also prioritizes application essays, recommendations, and personal qualities, meaning a compelling overall application can help offset a slightly lower GPA.

Target standardized test scores

Swarthmore College remains test-optional through at least the 2025-26 admissions cycle, meaning neither SAT nor ACT scores are required for first-year or transfer applicants.

For those who choose to submit test scores, strong results can strengthen an application. While Swarthmore does not have a minimum requirement, competitive scores can help applicants stand out. According to the latest Common Data Set, here are the middle 50% score ranges for admitted students:

Swarthmore’s admitted students tend to score in the top percentile nationally. While a perfect score is not required, aiming for a 1550 on the SAT or a 35 on the ACT can help place applicants in the most competitive range.

However, given the holistic admissions process, other factors like coursework rigor, essays, and extracurricular achievements remain just as important in the evaluation process.

Other requirements

Swarthmore College evaluates applicants holistically, considering more than just GPA and test scores. That’s why elements like extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters play a crucial role in the admissions process.

• Extracurricular activities. Swarthmore values meaningful involvement, leadership, and impact over a long list of activities. Strong applicants engage in programs like the Sunrise Movement, MIT PRIMES, or the Simons Summer Research Program. Leadership in speech and debate, Model UN, or community-based initiatives also stands out. Commitments to social justice, civic engagement, or STEM competitions like Regeneron ISEF and USAMO further strengthen an application.
• Essays. The essay portion is a chance to showcase individuality and perspective. For the 2024-25 application cycle, applicants must submit a personal statement (via the Common App or Coalition App) along with two Swarthmore-specific supplemental essays, each limited to 250 words. Authenticity is key—essays should provide insight into personal values, experiences, and aspirations.
• Recommendation letters. Swarthmore requires three recommendation letters: two from teachers who can speak to an applicant’s academic strengths and intellectual curiosity, and one from a school counselor. Thoughtful and detailed letters can provide valuable context, so applicants should seek recommenders who know them well and can highlight their contributions in the classroom and beyond.

For a detailed breakdown of each application component, refer to our comprehensive guide to crafting a strong Swarthmore application.

Swarthmore College Transfer Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, no transfer applicants were admitted due to space constraints. Out of 371 applicants, none received offers of admission.

Why is transferring to Swarthmore so difficult? The primary reason is the limited number of available spots. With most seats filled by first-year students, the college has little room for transfers, making the process highly competitive. In some years, as seen in 2024, no transfer spots are available at all.

Swarthmore College transfer requirements

Unlike first-year admissions, which take a holistic approach, Swarthmore College’s transfer process is far more limited and academically focused. Given the extremely low number of available spots, the college prioritizes students whose academic goals strongly align with its programs.

Here are the required transfer application materials: 

• Common Application or Coalition Application
• $60 application fee or fee waiver (Swarthmore waives the fee for students currently enrolled in a community or junior college.)
• Official final high school transcript(s)
• Transfer College Report from your most recent college or university
• Official college transcript(s) from all previously or currently attended institutions
• Two academic evaluations, including at least one recommendation from a recent college instructor
• Transfer Mid-Term Report (required for applicants currently enrolled in college or university)

Swarthmore College Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Swarthmore College’s waitlist acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 0%, meaning no students were admitted from the waitlist. While waitlist data for previous years shows occasional acceptances, admission remains highly competitive and uncertain due to space limitations.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

If you find yourself on Swarthmore’s waitlist, here are steps you can take to maximize your chances, even if they remain slim:

• Confirm your spot. Make sure that you are able to accept your place through their designated process. Failing to do so means you won’t be considered for admission.
• Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Express your strong desire to attend Swarthmore and update the admissions office on any recent achievements, awards, or projects since your initial application. This reinforces your commitment to the school.
• Second, provide additional materials. If Swarthmore permits, consider submitting updated transcripts, improved test scores, or an additional recommendation letter— but only if these materials significantly strengthen your application.
• Lastly, secure a backup plan. Since Swarthmore’s waitlist admission rates are unpredictable, it’s essential to commit to another college where you’ve been accepted. Keep your options open to ensure you have a solid path forward.

Being on Swarthmore’s waitlist is a challenging position, and while proactive steps may help, the best approach is to manage expectations and have alternative plans in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Swarthmore College’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2029, Swarthmore College’s acceptance rate was 7.4%, with 12,995 applicants and 965 students admitted. This marks a continued trend of highly selective admissions.

2. What is Swarthmore College’s Early Action acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Swarthmore’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate was 18%, with 220 students admitted from a pool of 1,221 applicants.

3. What is Swarthmore College’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Swarthmore’s Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate was 6.4%, with 755 students admitted out of 11,844 applicants.

4. What is Swarthmore College’s transfer acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Swarthmore College did not admit any transfer students due to space limitations. In previous years, transfer acceptance rates have been low, typically around 5-6%.

5. What is Swarthmore College’s waitlist acceptance rate?

For the Class of 20298, no students were admitted from the waitlist due to space constraints. In prior years, waitlist acceptance rates have been extremely low. Acceptance from the waitlist remains highly competitive and unpredictable.

Takeaways

To understand Swarthmore College’s competitive admissions process and improve your chances, here are five essential insights:

• Swarthmore’s acceptance rate is just 7.4% for the Class of 2029, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country.
• Swarthmore’s acceptance rate is on par with top universities. Swarthmore’s selectivity is comparable to some Ivy League schools, with a lower acceptance rate than Cornell (8.4%).
• Early Decision offers a clear advantage. For the Class of 2028, Swarthmore’s ED acceptance rate was 18%, significantly higher than the Regular Decision rate of 6.4%. This trend suggests that applying early can boost your chances.
• Competitive applicants should aim for a 4.1 unweighted GPA with a rigorous course load. For test scores, targeting a 1550 SAT or a 35 ACT composite puts you in range of admitted students. However, compelling essays, impactful extracurriculars, and strong recommendations are just as crucial.
• With such a low acceptance rate, strategic preparation is key. The admissions process is highly competitive, so crafting a standout application through working with a college admissions consultant could make a difference with your Swarthmore application.