Swat vs Brown Introduction
Deciding between colleges can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll be comparing two prestigious institutions: Swarthmore College (referred to as Swat) and Brown University. We’ll explore various aspects of each school, including cost, academics, campus life, and more, to help you make a well-informed decision.
Swat Overview
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Established in 1864, Swat is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social responsibility. With approximately 1,600 undergraduate students, Swat offers a tight-knit community and a strong focus on undergraduate education.
Swat Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Swat for the 2021-2022 academic year is $73,244, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Swat is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, with over half of its students receiving need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $53,080.
Swat Admissions
Swarthmore College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 8.9%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1410-1550, while the middle 50% ACT range is 32-35. Swat requires two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a completed Common Application or Coalition Application.
Swat Degrees Offered
Swarthmore College offers over 40 majors and minors in various fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some popular majors at Swat include Biology, Economics, Political Science, and English. The college also has a renowned Engineering program, which is rare for a liberal arts institution.
Swat Academics
Swat is known for its intense academic environment and small class sizes, with an average class size of 12 students. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, allowing for personalized attention and close relationships with professors. Swat operates on a semester system and offers a unique Honors Program, which pairs students with external examiners for a more rigorous academic experience.
Swat Diversity
Swarthmore College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 52% of Swat students identify as students of color, and 20% are international students. Swat also has various programs and initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Swat Students
Swat students are known for their intellectual curiosity, activism, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The college offers over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and identity-based organizations. Swat is also part of the NCAA Division III sports and offers various varsity, club, and intramural sports.
Swat Campus
Swarthmore College’s campus is situated on 425 acres of beautiful, wooded land. The campus is known for its stunning architecture and the Scott Arboretum, a living collection of over 4,000 varieties of plants. Swat’s campus is a short train ride away from Philadelphia, offering students access to a vibrant city and numerous cultural experiences.
Swat Alumni
Swarthmore College boasts a long list of notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, prominent politicians, and successful entrepreneurs. Swat’s alumni network is particularly strong in academia, social activism, and the sciences.
Swat Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, Swat ranks as follows:
- #3 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- #11 in Best Value Schools
- #30 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
- #36 in Most Innovative Schools
Swat Outcomes
Graduates of Swat tend to have impressive outcomes, with a 95% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $60,000. Swat alumni often pursue careers in fields such as education, research, technology, and non-profit work.
Brown Overview
Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a member of the prestigious Ivy League. Founded in 1764, Brown is renowned for its innovative and flexible curriculum, which allows students to create their own course of study. With approximately 7,160 undergraduate students, Brown offers a supportive and diverse community.
Brown Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Brown for the 2021-2022 academic year is $79,194, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Similar to Swat, Brown is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Approximately 43% of Brown students receive need-based financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $52,865.
Brown Admissions
Brown University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6.9%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1440-1560, and the middle 50% ACT range is 33-35. Brown’s application process requires a completed Common Application or Coalition Application, two teacher recommendations, and a counselor recommendation.
Brown Degrees Offered
Brown University offers over 80 concentrations (majors) for students to choose from, including unique interdisciplinary programs. Some popular concentrations at Brown include Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, and Economics.
Brown Academics
Brown is famous for its Open Curriculum, which allows students to design their own academic path without general education requirements. The university promotes a collaborative learning environment and encourages students to explore various fields of study. The average class size at Brown is 20 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1.
Brown Diversity
Brown University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, with 45% of undergraduates identifying as students of color and 17% being international students. Brown also offers numerous programs and resources to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Brown Students
Brown students are known for their creativity, independence, and engagement in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The university offers over 400 student-run clubs and organizations, as well as numerous varsity, club, and intramural sports teams. Brown is a member of the NCAA Division I Ivy League.
Brown Campus
Brown University’s campus covers 143 acres in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. The campus features historic architecture, green spaces, and modern facilities. Providence offers a lively arts scene, diverse dining options, and various cultural experiences for students to enjoy.
Brown Alumni
Brown’s alumni network includes notable figures in various fields, such as politics, business, entertainment, and academia. Prominent Brown alumni include actress Emma Watson, journalist Anderson Cooper, and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
Brown Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, Brown ranks as follows:
- #14 in National Universities
- #17 in Best Value Schools
- #23 in Most Innovative Schools
- #28 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
Brown Outcomes
Brown University graduates have a 95% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $67,000. Brown alumni pursue careers in a diverse range of fields, including technology, finance, healthcare, and the arts.
Swat vs Brown Cost Comparison
Both Swat and Brown are considered expensive institutions, with Swat’s estimated cost of attendance at $73,244 and Brown’s at $79,194 for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, both schools are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, with Swat providing an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $53,080 and Brown providing an average award of $52,865. It’s essential to consider your individual financial situation when comparing the costs of these two schools.
Swat vs Brown Admissions Difficulty
Swarthmore College and Brown University are both highly selective institutions, with Swat having an acceptance rate of 8.9% and Brown having an acceptance rate of 6.9%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT ranges for both schools are similar, with Swat’s being 1410-1550 (SAT) and 32-35 (ACT), and Brown’s being 1440-1560 (SAT) and 33-35 (ACT). Both schools require a completed Common Application or Coalition Application, two teacher recommendations, and a counselor recommendation. While both schools are difficult to gain admission to, Brown has a slightly lower acceptance rate, making it marginally more competitive.
Swat vs Brown Academic Difficulty
Swarthmore College and Brown University are both known for their rigorous academics and intense learning environments. Swat offers a smaller average class size of 12 students and a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Brown’s average class size is 20 students with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. Both schools offer unique academic programs, with Swat having its Honors Program and Brown offering an Open Curriculum. While the academic difficulty at both schools will be challenging, the primary difference lies in the structure of the programs and the size of the classes.
Swat vs Brown Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Swarthmore College and Brown University typically have strong outcomes. Both schools have a 95% graduation rate, with Swat alumni having an average starting salary of $60,000 and Brown alumni having an average starting salary of $67,000. Both schools have notable alumni in various fields, though Brown may have a slight edge in terms of name recognition and prestige among employers. Ultimately, the outcomes for graduates from both schools will likely be influenced more by individual factors, such as their chosen major, internships, and networking, than by the school they attend.