Swarthmore College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Swarthmore College costs about $249,648 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $56,211 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 11.8 years (20-year ROI: 70%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$249,648
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$21,211/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
70%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Swarthmore College's high tuition of $62,412 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $43,698. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $56,211, and after ten years, it reaches $80,257. The median debt for students is $17,500, with 9.8% of students receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Swarthmore graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $17,500 and a starting salary of $43,698, the debt represents a manageable portion of their income. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline for graduates to recoup their educational investment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$62,412
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$56,211
Graduation Rate
94%
Receive Financial Aid
10%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $105,566 | 465% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $157,852 | 884% |
| Political Science and Government | $80,009 | 261% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Mathematics | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.