Swarthmore vs Georgetown: Which School is Right for You?
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, with so many options available. In this article, we will compare two highly esteemed institutions – Swarthmore vs Georgetown – to help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you. We will compare the two schools on various aspects, including location, campus size, cost of attendance, student life, academic programs, faculty, admission requirements, research opportunities, career services, athletics, diversity, student housing, prospective career paths, earnings, and social scene.
Location and Campus Size: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a small town about 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The campus is spread over 425 acres of land, with a total enrollment of approximately 1,600 undergraduate students. On the other hand, Georgetown University is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., with a total enrollment of over 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus is spread over 104 acres of land, with a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities.
Despite the difference in campus size, both Swarthmore and Georgetown offer a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities for their students. Swarthmore is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and undergraduate research. Georgetown, on the other hand, offers a wide range of programs across its four undergraduate schools, including business, international affairs, and nursing.
Another notable difference between the two institutions is their athletic programs. Swarthmore is a Division III school, with a focus on intramural and club sports. Georgetown, on the other hand, is a Division I school, with a strong athletic program that includes basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
Cost of Attendance: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Attending Swarthmore College is expensive, with a total cost of attendance of over $72,000 per year for undergraduate students. However, Swarthmore is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students. Georgetown University’s cost of attendance is also quite high, at over $77,000 per year for undergraduate students. However, Georgetown University offers need-based aid and merit scholarships to eligible students, to help make college more affordable.
It is important to note that the cost of attendance at both Swarthmore and Georgetown includes not only tuition and fees, but also room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Swarthmore College is located in a suburban area of Pennsylvania, which may result in higher living expenses for students. Georgetown University, on the other hand, is located in Washington D.C., which may offer more opportunities for internships and networking.
Both Swarthmore and Georgetown are highly selective institutions, with acceptance rates of 8% and 12%. However, Swarthmore has a smaller undergraduate student body of around 1,600 students, while Georgetown has a larger undergraduate student body of around 7,500 students. This may impact the student experience, as smaller schools may offer more personalized attention and smaller class sizes, while larger schools may offer more diverse extracurricular activities and resources.
Student Life: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College has a tight-knit community, with a diverse student body and a strong culture of academic excellence. The school places a high emphasis on student activism, with many opportunities for students to engage in social justice campaigns. On the other hand, Georgetown University has a diverse student body with a rich extracurricular life, including over 200 clubs and organizations for students to engage with. The university also has a strong athletics program, with many opportunities for students to participate in sports and other recreational activities.
Additionally, Swarthmore College has a unique Honors Program that allows students to engage in independent research projects and work closely with faculty members. This program is highly regarded and provides students with valuable experience in their chosen fields of study. Georgetown University also offers a variety of research opportunities for students, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which allows students to work with faculty members on research projects across a range of disciplines.
Academic Programs: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College is known for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Students can choose from over 600 courses in more than 40 majors and minors, with a focus on the liberal arts. Georgetown University offers more than 120 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates across nine schools and colleges. The school is particularly known for its programs in international relations, law, and business.
However, Swarthmore College also offers unique programs such as the Honors Program, which allows students to conduct independent research and work closely with faculty members. Additionally, Swarthmore has a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement, with opportunities for students to participate in service projects and internships that address social issues. On the other hand, Georgetown University has a strong focus on experiential learning, with opportunities for students to study abroad, participate in internships, and engage in research projects. The university also has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to successful careers in politics, business, and law.
Faculty and Class Sizes: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 12 students. This means that students have close interaction with their professors, with many opportunities for individual attention and mentorship. Georgetown University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 14 students. The university boasts of a faculty that is comprised of some of the best minds from around the world and is known for its small, discussion-based seminars.
Despite the smaller class sizes at Swarthmore, Georgetown offers a wider range of academic programs and departments. With over 50 majors and 70 minors, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of fields and interests. Swarthmore, on the other hand, has a more focused curriculum with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts.
Both schools prioritize undergraduate education and offer ample opportunities for research and internships. Swarthmore has a strong tradition of undergraduate research, with many students publishing papers and presenting at conferences. Georgetown has a location advantage, being situated in Washington D.C., which provides students with access to a wealth of internship opportunities in government, non-profits, and international organizations.
Admission Requirements and Acceptance Rates: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Both Swarthmore College and Georgetown University have highly selective admission processes, with acceptance rates of approximately 8% and 12% respectively. Swarthmore looks for intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, and a commitment to social justice among its applicants, while Georgetown University places a high emphasis on leadership skills, community service, and global engagement.
It is important to note that both schools also have different standardized testing requirements. Swarthmore College is test-optional, meaning that applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. On the other hand, Georgetown University requires all applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores, as well as scores from two SAT Subject Tests. This difference in testing requirements may impact the application strategy for prospective students.
Opportunities for Research and Internships: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College provides many opportunities for students to engage in research, with funding and support available for various projects. The school also has many partnerships with surrounding institutions, including Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College, to support student research. Georgetown University also offers a wide range of research opportunities across its various schools and departments. The university has many partnerships with government agencies, think tanks, and businesses to support student internships and experiential learning.
However, there are some differences in the types of research and internships available at Swarthmore and Georgetown. Swarthmore is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research, with many opportunities for students to work closely with faculty members on independent projects. Georgetown, on the other hand, has a larger focus on research at the graduate level, with more opportunities for students to work on collaborative projects with faculty and other graduate students.
Career Services and Alumni Networks: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Both Swarthmore College and Georgetown University have robust career centers that offer comprehensive support to students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Swarthmore’s career center provides career counseling, job and internship listings, and networking opportunities, while Georgetown University’s career center offers similar services along with recruiting events, employer site visits, and industry-specific programming. Both schools also have active alumni networks, with thousands of graduates working in various fields around the world.
However, there are some differences in the approach of the two schools towards career services and alumni networks. Swarthmore College’s career center focuses more on individualized attention and personalized career planning, with career counselors working closely with students to identify their strengths and interests and help them explore career options. On the other hand, Georgetown University’s career center emphasizes more on employer engagement and industry partnerships, with a strong focus on connecting students with potential employers and providing them with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and other work-based learning opportunities.
Athletics and Extracurricular Activities: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College has a strong athletics program, with the school competing in Division III of the NCAA. The college offers many opportunities for students to participate in varsity sports, club sports, and intramurals. The college also has a strong tradition of student activism and engagement, with many student-led clubs and organizations working on various causes. Georgetown University also has a strong athletics program, with the school competing in Division I of the NCAA. The school has many varsity sports teams, club sports, and intramurals for students to choose from, along with over 200 clubs and organizations.
One of the unique aspects of Swarthmore’s athletics program is its emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The college prioritizes the well-being of its athletes, providing them with resources such as sports medicine and strength and conditioning programs. Additionally, Swarthmore’s varsity teams have a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration, with many athletes participating in multiple sports throughout their college careers.
Georgetown University is known for its strong commitment to community service and social justice. The school has many clubs and organizations dedicated to these causes, including the Georgetown University Student Association’s Social Justice and Public Service Committee. The committee works to promote social justice initiatives on campus and in the surrounding community and provides resources and support for students interested in pursuing careers in public service.
Diversity and Inclusivity on Campus: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College is known for its commitment to diversity and social justice, with a student body that represents various socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The school has many initiatives to promote inclusion on campus, including the Swarthmore Intercultural Center and the Women’s Resource Center. Georgetown University also has a diverse student body, with many initiatives to promote inclusiveness such as the Georgetown Scholarship Program and the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access.
However, despite their efforts, both schools still face challenges in creating a truly inclusive environment. Swarthmore has been criticized for its lack of diversity among faculty members, with only 20% of its faculty identifying as people of color. Georgetown has also faced criticism for its handling of incidents of racism and discrimination on campus, with some students feeling that the university has not done enough to address these issues.
Both schools have acknowledged these challenges and are working to improve their efforts towards diversity and inclusivity. Swarthmore has implemented a faculty diversity initiative to increase the representation of people of color among its faculty members. Georgetown has also launched a new initiative called “Racial Justice at Georgetown” to address issues of racism and discrimination on campus and promote a more inclusive community.
Student Housing Options: Swarthmore vs Georgetown
Swarthmore College provides various housing options for its students, including traditional residence halls, suite-style housing, and apartments. The college also has many themed housing options, including language houses, vegan houses, and substance-free houses. Georgetown University also provides various housing options for its students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and townhouses. The university has many housing options for different types of students, including transfer and graduate students.
One unique aspect of Swarthmore’s housing options is the ability for students to live in cooperative houses. These houses are run by the students themselves and offer a more communal living experience. Georgetown, on the other hand, offers a Living Learning Community program where students can live with others who share similar academic interests and goals.
Both schools also offer on-campus dining options for their students. Swarthmore has a variety of dining halls and cafes, including a student-run coffeehouse. Georgetown has a mix of dining halls and restaurants, including options for late-night dining. Additionally, both schools have meal plans available for students who choose to eat on campus.
Prospective Career Paths for Graduates of Both Schools
Graduates of Swarthmore College go on to pursue various career paths, including law, medicine, academia, and public service. The school has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and global citizens. Graduates of Georgetown University also go on to pursue various career paths, including law, business, government, and the non-profit sector. The school places a high emphasis on leadership, innovation, and service, preparing graduates to make a positive impact in the world.
However, both schools also offer unique programs and opportunities that can lead to specific career paths. Swarthmore College, for example, has a renowned engineering program that prepares graduates for careers in technology and innovation. Georgetown University, on the other hand, offers a highly respected program in international relations, which can lead to careers in diplomacy, foreign policy, and global business.
Prospective Earnings for Graduates of Both Schools
According to PayScale, the median starting salary for graduates of Swarthmore College is approximately $62,000 per year, with mid-career earnings of approximately $139,000 per year. Graduates of Georgetown University have a median starting salary of approximately $63,000 per year, with mid-career earnings of approximately $127,000 per year. However, it is important to note that salary and earnings potential vary widely based on individual factors such as industry, job function, and location.
Additionally, it is worth considering the impact of graduate education on earnings potential. Graduates of both Swarthmore College and Georgetown University have access to top-ranked graduate programs in fields such as business, law, and public policy, which can significantly increase their earning potential over time.
Furthermore, it is important to note that while starting salary and mid-career earnings are important factors to consider when evaluating the earning potential of graduates, they do not necessarily reflect overall career success or job satisfaction. Graduates of both schools have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of industries and professions, and have made significant contributions to their fields and communities.
Comparison of Social Scene in Both Campuses
Swarthmore College has an active social scene, with many student-led clubs and organizations sponsoring events and activities throughout the year. The school also has a lively arts and culture scene, with many performances and exhibitions on campus. Georgetown University also has a vibrant social scene, with students organizing events and parties on and off-campus. The school has many clubs and organizations that cater to a variety of interests, including arts, politics, and sports.
After considering all the aspects of Swarthmore College and Georgetown University, it is important to choose the school that is right for you based on your personal interests, career aspirations, and financial situation. Both schools offer a highly engaging and rigorous education, with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, the decision is yours – choose wisely.
One of the unique aspects of Swarthmore College’s social scene is the emphasis on community service and activism. Many student organizations focus on social justice issues and work to make a positive impact on the surrounding community. Additionally, the school hosts many events and speakers that promote social awareness and activism.
Georgetown University, on the other hand, has a strong emphasis on international affairs and diplomacy. The school’s location in Washington D.C. provides many opportunities for students to engage with global issues and connect with professionals in the field. The university also hosts many events and conferences related to international relations and politics.
