Colorado College vs Swarthmore

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Colorado College and Swarthmore College?

  Colorado College (CC) is a private liberal arts college known for its unique Block Plan, where students take one course at a time for 3.5 weeks. It's located in Colorado Springs, offering easy access to outdoor activities. Swarthmore College, located near Philadelphia, is also a private liberal arts college, but it follows a more traditional semester system. Swarthmore is known for its rigorous academics, particularly in engineering and the natural sciences, and its strong commitment to social justice.

• How does the academic experience differ between the Block Plan at Colorado College and the semester system at Swarthmore?

  Colorado College's Block Plan allows for deep immersion in a single subject, fostering intense focus and close interaction with professors. It can be ideal for students who thrive in focused environments. Swarthmore's semester system offers a broader range of courses simultaneously, allowing students to explore multiple disciplines and manage a more diverse workload. This system is often preferred by students who enjoy juggling different subjects and prefer a more traditional academic pace.

• Which college is stronger in the sciences and engineering?

  While both colleges offer strong science programs, Swarthmore College is particularly renowned for its engineering program and its overall strength in the natural sciences. Swarthmore offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, which Colorado College does not. Both colleges provide excellent research opportunities, but Swarthmore's resources and faculty in these areas are generally considered to be more extensive.

• How do the campus cultures compare?

  Colorado College has a reputation for being more outdoorsy and adventurous, given its location near the Rocky Mountains. The campus culture is often described as relaxed and collaborative. Swarthmore College has a more academically focused and politically engaged campus culture. Students are often deeply involved in social justice issues and intellectual debates. Both colleges value community, but the specific focus and atmosphere differ.

• What are the locations of Colorado College and Swarthmore College like?

  Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a mid-sized city with access to stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, hiking trails, and ski resorts. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a small, quiet town just outside of Philadelphia. This provides students with easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city while maintaining a close-knit campus environment.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Colorado College and Swarthmore College is high and comparable. Both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. It's best to visit each college's financial aid website to get a personalized estimate based on your family's financial situation.

• What kind of student typically thrives at Colorado College versus Swarthmore College?

  Colorado College is a good fit for students who are independent, self-motivated, and enjoy immersive learning experiences. Students who love the outdoors and want to integrate outdoor activities into their college experience will also find CC appealing. Swarthmore College is well-suited for intellectually curious students who are passionate about academics, social justice, and making a difference in the world. Students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and enjoy engaging in intellectual debates will likely find Swarthmore a good fit.

• Do both colleges offer study abroad programs?

  Yes, both Colorado College and Swarthmore College offer a wide variety of study abroad programs. Students at both institutions can choose from numerous locations and academic focuses to enhance their global perspective.

• What are the class sizes like at each college?

  Both Colorado College and Swarthmore College pride themselves on small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. This allows for personalized attention from professors and fosters a close-knit learning environment. Class sizes are generally similar at both institutions, with most courses having fewer than 20 students.

• How do the alumni networks compare?

  Both Colorado College and Swarthmore College have strong and active alumni networks. Swarthmore's alumni network is particularly strong in fields like academia, law, and public service, while Colorado College's alumni network is well-represented in fields like environmental science, the arts, and entrepreneurship. Both networks offer valuable resources and connections for graduates.