Both Union College and Swarthmore College are well known for their demanding academics based in the liberal arts tradition. Swarthmore's curriculum is often recognized for its intensity. The college has an Honors Program that features small, advanced seminars and oral exams with outside examiners. This system supports deep engagement in a field, similar to graduate school. Swarthmore's Honors tradition has earned it a reputation for high intellectual standards. Students are serious and enthusiastic about their studies, and they work together rather than against each other. Swarthmore follows a semester system and requires students to complete broad distribution requirements in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and writing courses. All seniors must pass a comprehensive exam or complete a capstone project in their major, ensuring they gain both depth and breadth of knowledge.

Similarly, Union College offers a challenging education, with the unique advantage of providing ABET-accredited engineering programs within a liberal arts framework. Union operates on a trimester calendar with three 10-week terms, allowing students to take three courses each term and engage deeply with each subject. The Common Curriculum at Union is more structured than at many peer colleges; students complete courses across eight Modes of Inquiry, blending knowledge from different fields. Notably, Union's engineering students share the same core liberal arts courses as their peers, reflecting Union's commitment to a well-rounded education. Average class sizes at Union are small, with about 24 students in introductory classes and 14 in upper-level classes. This is comparable to Swarthmore's intimate class sizes, as Swarthmore's student-faculty ratio is 8:1. Both colleges value writing and critical thinking. For example, every first-year student at Union takes a seminar focused on developing analytical reading and writing skills. Overall, while Swarthmore's academics are often seen as more demanding due to its Honors Program and high workload, Union's curriculum is equally rigorous, combining liberal arts and engineering in a trimester format without sacrificing academic quality.


‍Student-to-Faculty Ratio and Faculty Quality

‍Students at both Swarthmore and Union have the advantage of close interaction with highly qualified faculty. Swarthmore features an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means classes are small and professors are easy to reach. All 173 of Swarthmore’s full-time professors hold a terminal degree in their fields. The faculty’s approachability is a source of pride; Swarthmore is known for having “an exceptionally accessible faculty” that students often collaborate with on research and independent projects. This reflects a strong culture of mentorship. Professors frequently involve undergraduates in their research, and students feel supported throughout Swarthmore’s challenging academic experience.

Union College also provides an intimate academic environment. Its student-faculty ratio is 9:1, which is very close to Swarthmore’s, with about 219 faculty for roughly 2,030 students. Like Swarthmore, Union’s faculty are highly qualified, with 97% holding a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their fields. Notably, 100% of Union’s classes are taught by professors, ensuring that students learn directly from experts, even in introductory courses. Union values faculty-student engagement through small class sizes and collaborative research projects. In fact, Union is recognized for strong student-faculty interaction in undergraduate research, often pairing students with professors for hands-on projects. The commitment of faculty at both schools is evident in features like available office hours, personalized advising, and long-term mentoring. Students at Swarthmore and Union alike highlight the approachability and dedication of their professors as defining aspects of the undergraduate experience. Whether it’s Swarthmore’s faculty guiding students through an ambitious Honors thesis or Union’s professors working with students at the annual Steinmetz research symposium, the low student-to-faculty ratios lead to personal attention and high-quality teaching at both institutions.


‍Research Opportunities and Grants

‍Both colleges place a strong focus on undergraduate research and offer many opportunities and funding for students to engage in academic work. At Union College, most students participate in research; about 80% complete a faculty-mentored senior thesis or capstone project. Many present their findings at Union’s annual Steinmetz Symposium research conference. This long-running symposium features hundreds of presentations and exhibits by student researchers each year, highlighting how embedded research is in Union’s academic culture. Union’s Undergraduate Research Office actively assists students with various grants. For example, the college provides Student Research Grants (SRGs) to cover supplies or travel for thesis projects, up to $500 per student. Additionally, Union offers Summer Research Fellowships, which give more than 100 students paid summer research positions each year, and travel grants to help students present at professional conferences. Thanks to these initiatives, Union undergraduates often co-author publications with faculty and attend academic conferences. They gain experience that is usually available only to graduate students at larger universities. All of Union’s modern research facilities are accessible to undergraduates, and recent investments like the new Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, which opened in 2020, offer updated labs and equipment for student research in science and engineering.

Swarthmore College also provides strong research opportunities, though within a smaller college setting. About 67% of Swarthmore graduates engage in faculty-mentored research before graduation. Many academic departments either encourage or require a senior research project or thesis, and students can start independent research even before their senior year. Swarthmore supports funded research, especially during the summer. The college and its partners offer summer research fellowships and stipends, around $5,000 to $6,000 for 8 to 10 weeks, to help students work full-time on academic projects with Swarthmore faculty or at other institutions. In recent years, stipends of roughly $6,000 have allowed students to spend the summer on campus or elsewhere doing research in various fields, from STEM lab work to social science fieldwork. Swarthmore Career Services and academic departments also fund students pursuing unpaid internships or nonprofit research, reflecting the college’s commitment to hands-on learning. Although Swarthmore is not a large research university, it produces a significant amount of research during the summer through these programs, primarily in STEM but also in the humanities and social sciences. Both Union and Swarthmore make undergraduate research a central part of the academic experience. Union formalizes this through its symposium and structured grant programs, while Swarthmore weaves research into the Honors thesis, independent projects, and funded internships. In both cases, students graduate with valuable research experience, and many use this to co-author papers, present at conferences, or create in-depth senior theses.


‍Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities

‍Campus life at Union and Swarthmore offers rich extracurricular involvement, but student life has notable differences. Union College features a vibrant social scene that combines residential life with active clubs. Every Union student belongs to the unique Minerva House system, which includes seven faculty-led residential houses that serve as hubs for academic and social events. The Minerva Houses host lectures, discussions, and social gatherings open to everyone on campus. This setup connects intellectual and social life in an inclusive manner, as each student is assigned to a house for their entire four years. Additionally, Union has a historic presence of Greek life; students can join one of around 20 fraternities or sororities starting in their sophomore year. About 10% of Union men and 12% of women participate in Greek life, which is active but not dominant. Fraternities and sororities at Union also provide opportunities for community service, leadership, and social activities. Beyond Greek life, Union supports over 130 student-run clubs and organizations, spanning academic societies, cultural groups, and performing arts ensembles. Students get involved in volunteer work in the local community through the Kenney Community Center, and many take on leadership roles in student government or event planning. Athletics are another notable part of Union’s campus spirit. The college fields 24 NCAA Division III varsity teams and has Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey teams that compete against Ivy League and other strong hockey programs. Approximately one-third of students play a varsity sport, and the college offers extensive intramural and club sports. Home hockey games draw many fans since Union’s men’s team won a national championship in 2014, making a significant mark for the small school. Overall, Union’s social life is often described as lively and diverse. Students can find parties at Greek houses or Minerva mixers on weekends, participate in many clubs, and explore the revitalized downtown of Schenectady, which features new restaurants, shops, and Proctors Theater, all just a short walk from campus.

Swarthmore College, in contrast, has a smaller, more intimate campus life known for political engagement and a strong community spirit. With about 1,700 undergraduates, Swarthmore’s extracurricular scene is closely knit. There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus, including many cultural groups, service organizations, performing arts groups, and academic clubs. Student participation in community service is high; around 60% of Swarthmore students volunteer in some capacity, reflecting the college’s Quaker-founded focus on social responsibility. Currently, Swarthmore does not have fraternities or sororities (the two that existed were disbanded in 2019 due to student concerns), so social life centers around all-campus events, dorm life, and student-organized parties or concerts. A popular tradition is the annual Crumb Cafe, a student-run late-night snack bar featuring music and other unique student events. Despite the absence of Greek life, Swarthmore’s social scene is dynamic and inclusive, often focused on common interests such as activism, the arts, or outdoor activities. Swarthmore’s Student Government Organization and numerous clubs ensure diverse interests are represented, from the Sketch Comedy Club to the Queer-Straight Alliance. In athletics, Swarthmore competes in NCAA Division III (Centennial Conference) with 22 varsity teams, including soccer, basketball, swimming, and track. Although athletics are competitive, with teams like men’s basketball making deep NCAA runs in recent years, Swarthmore does not offer athletic scholarships and emphasizes academics. Varsity athletes integrate well with non-athletes within campus life. Many Swarthmore students also appreciate the campus’s proximity to Philadelphia. The campus train station allows quick trips into the city, providing more options for weekend activities, internships, or cultural events off-campus. In summary, Swarthmore’s campus life is marked by a strong sense of community and shared values, often centered on intellectual pursuits or social causes. It has a high participation rate in clubs and volunteer work, along with social events that are generally smaller-scale and inclusive. On the other hand, Union’s campus life offers a wider range of social outlets, including Greek life and Division I sports spirit, while still maintaining a close-knit atmosphere through its residential colleges and immersive campus community.


‍Housing, Facilities, and Student Services

‍As residential colleges, both Union and Swarthmore house most students on campus for all four years. They also invest in great facilities and student services. Housing is guaranteed at both institutions. At Swarthmore, about 94% of students live on campus, and they are assured housing for all four years. Swarthmore’s dormitories include the iconic Parrish Hall, which serves as both an administration building and dormitory, as well as modern residence halls like Alice Paul and David Kemp, which have won architectural awards. Most students at Swarthmore live in traditional residence halls or suites. Some seniors may choose to live in on-campus apartments, but there is no off-campus Greek housing or independent housing options. This residential setup helps maintain Swarthmore’s close-knit community. The campus dining at Swarthmore takes place in a main dining hall, Sharples, which will soon be replaced by a new dining center, along with smaller cafés that cater to various dietary needs. Key student services, such as health and counseling, career services, and the writing center, are easily accessible due to the small campus size. Swarthmore’s campus itself is an arboretum known for its beauty, spanning 357 acres of lawns, gardens, woods, and walking paths. Students have access to seven libraries, including the main McCabe Library and branch libraries for science, music, and more, which support their academic work. The campus is not only beautiful but also safe and conducive to studying. One guide mentions that Swarthmore’s campus is “extraordinarily beautiful and safe” for students. Swarthmore offers modern science labs, and a new biology/engineering building opened recently. The campus also has a performing arts center and facilities for athletics and recreation for Division III sports and general student use. Despite its small size, Swarthmore has plenty of resources, supported by a large endowment, for undergraduates—whether that’s funding for new makerspace equipment or support for student-led initiatives.

Union College also guarantees four-year housing, with nearly 90% of students living in college-owned housing during their time there. Union offers a variety of housing options. First-years typically stay in traditional residence halls, while upperclassmen can choose from suite-style dorms, apartment-style housing, themed houses, or Minerva Houses that combine living space with social and academic areas. Greek chapter houses also accommodate some fraternity and sorority members, usually juniors and seniors. The housing lottery after freshman year is based on class year, and students appreciate having ample on-campus housing, which reduces the need to look for off-campus apartments. Union’s dining services similarly offer a range of options, including a main dining hall, retail cafés, and a kosher and allergy-friendly dining venue, with meal plans on a declining balance system for flexibility. In recent years, Union has made significant upgrades to its facilities, especially in STEM and innovation spaces. The Integrated Science and Engineering Center (ISEC), which opened in 2020, is a glass-walled complex that houses state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. This complex, along with renovated engineering labs and a planned new engineering building, provides undergraduates with resources often found at larger universities, such as dedicated research labs and makerspaces. Union’s historic campus, founded in 1795, was the first planned college campus in the U.S. It features the 16-sided Nott Memorial, a National Historic Landmark, as its architectural centerpiece. The 100-acre campus includes formal gardens, like Jackson’s Garden, which has eight acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands, giving students space to relax. Student services at Union are thorough. The Becker Career Center actively assists students with internships and job placements, tracking outcomes on a dashboard accessible to students and providing funding for unpaid internships. Academic support services, such as free tutoring and disability accommodations, are in place to help students succeed. Both colleges have health and counseling centers on campus and invest in diversity and inclusion offices to support students from all backgrounds. Union’s commitment to wellness is evident in its extensive intramural and wellness programs, such as yoga classes and outdoor trips, which complement the rigorous academics. In summary, both Swarthmore and Union offer a high-quality residential experience. Swarthmore enchants with its beautiful arboretum and intimate scale, while Union blends historical charm with modern facilities, especially in science and engineering, fostering an integrated living-learning environment through the Minerva Houses. Students at both schools thrive in environments designed for undergraduates, receiving strong support services to help them succeed.


‍Diversity and Inclusion

‍Both Union and Swarthmore enroll students from various backgrounds, but Swarthmore’s student body is significantly more diverse. At Swarthmore College, the numbers reflect this commitment to diversity: the majority of enrolled students come from minority backgrounds. As of 2023, about 29.6% of Swarthmore students are White, while the largest groups of students of color include Asian (17.5%), Hispanic/Latino (15.1%), Black/African American (9.4%), and multiracial (11%). Only around 30% of students identify as white, so approximately fifty percent or more of Swarthmore’s domestic students are from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds. This level of diversity exceeds national averages for liberal arts colleges. Additionally, Swarthmore attracts a notable international group, with students from over 80 countries and representation from every U.S. state. International students typically make up around 10–15% of each class. Swarthmore is also socioeconomically diverse. For the Class of 2028, 34% of admitted students would be the first in their family to attend college. The college's admissions and financial aid practices, which are need-blind for U.S. students, as well as partnerships with programs like QuestBridge, LEDA, and the Coalition for College, support this commitment to diversity. Culturally, Swarthmore has a history of inclusion rooted in its Quaker heritage. The campus features an Intercultural Center and various cultural affinity groups that host events and discussions. Students actively engage with issues of equity and social justice. For example, Swarthmore was among the first colleges to implement gender-neutral housing and has strong support for LGBTQ+ issues, religious life groups, and resources for undocumented and DACA students. Diversity at Swarthmore is not just a statistic; it is part of the college culture, with ongoing campus discussions about inclusion and a curriculum that covers ethnic studies, Black studies, gender and sexuality studies, and more.

Union College has also taken steps to diversify its student body, though its diversity is somewhat less than that of Swarthmore. Union has about 2,050 undergraduates from 40 states and 50 countries, ensuring geographic diversity within the U.S. and internationally. Approximately 26% of Union’s domestic students are students of color, identifying as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or multiracial. Around 11% of students are international citizens from various countries. In recent incoming classes, about 10–13% are the first in their family to attend college. Union has been coeducational since 1970, having started as an all-male college in the 1790s. Currently, the gender distribution is roughly 55% men and 45% women. The slight male majority is primarily due to the resources for engineering and computer science, which have historically attracted more male students. Union has been working on supporting women in STEM fields and achieving overall gender balance. The college emphasizes inclusion; its mission statement highlights that diversity enriches the campus experience. Union actively seeks students who will contribute to campus life both in and out of class. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion coordinates initiatives for underrepresented students, including mentorship programs, cultural heritage month celebrations, and partnerships with organizations like Posse and UNITAS scholars. Union’s Minerva House system promotes mixing students of different backgrounds in living and social situations, which helps build connections. The college offers numerous student clubs, including many focused on cultural and identity issues—like the Latin American Student Association, Black Student Union, Asian Student Union, and Pride Alliance—giving students a platform to share their cultures and advocate for important causes. While the percentage of minority students at Union is lower than at Swarthmore, the college is making progress and is committed to increasing diversity. Both colleges have financial aid policies—need-blind or need-aware—that cover full demonstrated need, allowing students from lower-income families to attend. Swarthmore is need-blind for domestic students, while Union is need-aware but meets 100% of demonstrated need for those admitted. This financial commitment is crucial for inclusion, enabling each school to admit talented students regardless of their economic background. In summary, Swarthmore is notable for its highly multicultural student body and long-standing activism for inclusion, while Union is fostering a growing, inclusive community with frameworks, like Minerva Houses and active cultural clubs, that encourage interaction among students from various backgrounds.


‍Post-Graduation Outcomes

‍Both Union and Swarthmore achieve strong outcomes for their graduates, evident in their high graduation rates and successful placements in careers or graduate schools. Graduation rates serve as one measure of student success. Swarthmore’s four-year graduation rate is around 88%, while its six-year rate is about 94%. This reflects the university’s academic strength and student support—almost all students graduate, often on time. Union’s six-year graduation rate is slightly lower, within the 80-85% range, yet it remains well above national averages. Many Union students complete their degrees within four or five years, depending on co-op or dual-degree programs.Upon graduation, students from both schools find excellent job placements and opportunities for further education. According to Swarthmore’s Career Center survey for the Class of 2023, 82.1% of respondents were either employed, enrolled in graduate or professional school, or engaged in full-time volunteer service within six months of graduating. Specifically, 57.6% of Swarthmore’s 2023 grads were working, while 23.4% were pursuing further education, with a few in fellowships or service programs like Fulbright and Peace Corps. Only a small fraction were still searching for opportunities six months after graduation. Swarthmore students often enroll in top graduate programs if they continue their education. Common destinations include Ph.D. programs at institutions like UC Berkeley or Yale, law schools, medical schools, and master’s programs. Swarthmore’s rigorous curriculum prepares students well for advanced study. The school has historically been a leader in producing Ph.D. recipients in science and engineering fields. For those entering the workforce, Swarthmore’s Class of 2023 had a median starting salary of $75,000, excluding a few low-paid service stipends. This indicates that many grads found positions in high-paying fields like technology, finance, and consulting. The most popular industries for Swarthmore graduates that year included technology (18%), education (17%), financial services (15%), consulting (10%), and healthcare (9%). Top employers ranged from finance companies like Citi and JPMorgan to tech firms, research institutes, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Swarthmore alumni also frequently receive prestigious awards. For instance, five members of the Class of 2023 received Fulbright fellowships for international research or teaching. These outcomes reflect the value of a Swarthmore degree, whether measured by graduate school placement, starting salary, or contributions to society.

Union College graduates also do well in starting their careers. Union emphasizes a blend of career readiness and broad skills, which is evident in its strong return on investment. PayScale.com ranked Union #8 among national liberal arts colleges for ROI, based on alumni earnings compared to costs. For the Union Class of 2022, about 60% of seniors began working immediately after graduation, while around 30% continued to graduate or professional school. The remaining 10% pursued fellowships, travel, or service, such as Union’s Minerva Fellows program, which supports graduates in volunteer projects abroad. This means roughly 90% had a planned next step by graduation—a very high outcome rate. Union graduates often enter careers in business, finance, engineering, technology, healthcare, law, and education, which aligns with the school’s mix of liberal arts and engineering programs. According to Union’s Career Center, popular employers and graduate programs for recent alumni include General Electric, IBM, Hearst, and ESPN, in addition to government agencies and medical and law schools. Union’s engineering and computer science majors are in high demand—many find jobs with engineering firms or tech companies or pursue M.S. or Ph.D. programs that benefit from undergraduate research experience. Alumni data shows solid earnings: the average salary six years after graduation is around $48,300, increasing to about $74,200 ten years out. This is comparable to peer institutions and reflects career growth as many alumni obtain graduate degrees or promotions during that time. It is noteworthy that Union’s alumni network and Career Center actively assist students through mentoring and recruiting. The Becker Career Center hosts career fairs and on-campus recruiting, while over 70% of Union students complete internships—often two or more—before graduating, which helps them secure jobs after college.

Overall, Swarthmore’s outcomes indicate a slight preference for graduate study and academic fellowships, in line with its scholarly focus. Union’s results emphasize strong entry into industry and engineering careers. Both colleges demonstrate excellent results for their graduates, with high percentages securing jobs or grad school admissions. Alumni from both institutions have gone on to lead in various fields, including business, science, politics, and the arts. Each school boasts distinguished alumni: Swarthmore has six Nobel Prize winners and MacArthur “Genius” Fellows, while Union’s graduates include a U.S. President (Chester A. Arthur), government leaders, and innovators in multiple sectors. For prospective undergraduates, the takeaway is clear: either college offers a powerful foundation. Both Swarthmore and Union provide a rigorous, well-rounded education that employers and graduate schools highly value.


‍Admissions Selectivity and Application Process

‍One of the main differences between Union and Swarthmore is how selective they are in admissions. Swarthmore College is very selective, admitting only about 7 to 8% of its applicants in recent years. For the Class of 2028, Swarthmore received over 13,000 applications and admitted just 975 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 7.46%. The previous year, the rate was even lower at around 6.9%. This acceptance rate has generally been under 10%, which places Swarthmore among the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. 

In practical terms, students who are admitted to Swarthmore have impressive academic profiles. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students typically fall between 740 and 770 in Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and 750 to 790 in Math (with a composite score around 1490 to 1560). ACT scores for these students range from 33 to 35. Most Swatties were at the top of their high school classes, although Swarthmore does not publicize GPA because different schools use different scales. Beyond numbers, Swarthmore looks for students with a strong intellectual curiosity and good writing skills. Their application includes several essays, and it often highlights a commitment to community or extracurricular interests that match Swarthmore’s values. The admissions process is holistic and has been test-optional in recent years. Applicants do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores through at least 2025, a policy that continues from the pandemic. However, many strong applicants still choose to submit high scores given the level of competition.

Swarthmore offers Early Decision I and II, which are binding, but does not offer Early Action. Typically, about half the class is filled through Early Decision rounds, which have higher admission rates than Regular Decision. The application process includes the Common Application or Coalition Application along with a specific supplemental essay, teacher recommendations, and an optional alumni interview. As a small school, Swarthmore places great importance on fit. The Admissions Dean mentions that they look for students whose commitment to the common good and academic passion are notable. With such a low acceptance rate, Swarthmore remains a reach for top students, which is something to consider when deciding between these two schools.
‍
‍

Sources:

1. Academics & Curriculum

• Union College Academics Overview
https://www.union.edu/academics
‍Use for: Trimester system, ABET-accredited engineering, Common Curriculum, 80% research participation, Steinmetz Symposium.
• Swarthmore College Academics Overview
https://www.swarthmore.edu/academics
‍Use for: Honors Program with external examiners, semester system, senior capstone/thesis, distribution requirements, 8:1 student-faculty ratio.

2. Research Opportunities

• Union College Undergraduate Research & Steinmetz Symposium
https://www.union.edu/steinmetz-symposium
‍Use for: 80% of students do faculty-mentored research, SRGs, summer fellowships, co-authored publications, ISEC facilities.
• Swarthmore College Undergraduate Research & Summer Fellowships
https://www.swarthmore.edu/academics/undergraduate-research
‍Use for: 67% of grads do research, $5–6K summer stipends, Honors thesis, research across STEM and humanities.

3. Campus Life & Student Culture

• Union College Student Life Overview
https://www.union.edu/student-lifeUse for: Minerva Houses, Greek life (~25–30%), 130+ clubs, Division I hockey, urban Schenectady setting.
• Swarthmore College Student Life Overview
https://www.swarthmore.edu/student-life
‍Use for: No Greek life, 100+ clubs, 60% volunteer, Crumb Cafe, Division III athletics, Quaker heritage, Philly access.

4. Admissions Selectivity

• Union College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.union.edu/offices/institutional-research/common-data-set
‍Use for: Admit rate (~43%), SAT range, 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 97% Ph.D. faculty, need-aware admissions.
• Swarthmore College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.swarthmore.edu/about/information-and-statistics/common-data-set
‍Use for: Admit rate (~7–8%), SAT 1490–1560, ACT 33–35, need-blind, 50% ED, Honors Program selectivity.

5. Diversity & Inclusion

• Swarthmore College Diversity & Inclusion Data
https://www.swarthmore.edu/diversity-inclusion
‍Use for: 70% domestic students of color, 34% first-gen, 10–15% international, need-blind, QuestBridge/LEDA partnerships.
• Union College Diversity & Inclusion Overview
https://www.union.edu/diversity
‍Use for: 26% domestic students of color, 11% international, Minerva Houses, cultural clubs, Posse/UNITAS programs.

6. Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

• Swarthmore College Career Outcomes – Class of 2023
https://www.swarthmore.edu/career-services/outcomes
‍Use for: 82% employed or in grad school within 6 months, $75K median starting salary, 5 Fulbright winners, top grad schools.
• Union College Career Outcomes – Class of 2022
https://www.union.edu/career-center/post-grad-outcomes
‍Use for: 92% placement rate, top 10 liberal arts ROI (PayScale), avg. salary ~$74K at 10 years, strong alumni network.