Swarthmore vs Harvey Mudd College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary academic focuses of Swarthmore College and Harvey Mudd College?

  Swarthmore College offers a broad liberal arts education with strengths across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. You'll find a wide range of majors and the option to create your own. Harvey Mudd College, on the other hand, is primarily focused on science, engineering, and mathematics. If you're certain you want a STEM-focused education, Harvey Mudd is a strong choice. If you prefer a more interdisciplinary approach or are unsure about your major, Swarthmore might be a better fit.

• How do the campus cultures differ between Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd?

  Swarthmore is known for its strong sense of social justice and activism, with a student body deeply engaged in political and social issues. The campus culture is often described as intellectual, collaborative, and progressive. Harvey Mudd's culture is characterized by its intense academic environment, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong sense of community among students who share a passion for STEM. While both are academically rigorous, Harvey Mudd's focus is more directly on STEM fields, leading to a different social dynamic.

• What is the size difference between Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd, and how might that affect my experience?

  Swarthmore College has a larger student body, typically around 1,600 students, compared to Harvey Mudd's approximately 900. This means you'll find a wider variety of courses and extracurricular activities at Swarthmore. Harvey Mudd's smaller size fosters a closer-knit community and potentially more individualized attention from faculty. Consider whether you prefer a larger, more diverse environment or a smaller, more intimate one.

• How do the grading systems compare at Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd?

  Swarthmore College offers students the option to take courses pass/fail, especially during their first year, to ease the transition to college-level academics. While Harvey Mudd also emphasizes learning over grades, it generally has a more traditional grading system. Both institutions are academically challenging, but Swarthmore's grading policies may provide a bit more flexibility and reduce initial pressure.

• What are the research opportunities like at Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd?

  Both Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd offer excellent research opportunities for undergraduates. Swarthmore provides research opportunities across all disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences, in addition to STEM fields. Harvey Mudd's research is heavily focused on STEM, with many students participating in research projects with faculty. If you're interested in STEM research, both are excellent choices, but Swarthmore offers broader options.

• How does the location of each college impact student life and opportunities?

  Swarthmore College is located in a suburban setting just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This provides students with access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city while maintaining a close-knit campus environment. Harvey Mudd College is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in Claremont, California, offering a more suburban, Southern California experience. The Claremont Colleges provide a larger campus community and access to resources from multiple institutions, while Swarthmore offers closer proximity to a major East Coast city.

• What are the career outcomes typically seen for graduates of Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd?

  Swarthmore graduates pursue a wide range of careers across various sectors, including academia, law, medicine, business, and the arts. A Swarthmore education prepares you for diverse paths. Harvey Mudd graduates typically pursue careers in STEM fields, such as engineering, computer science, and research. Many go on to graduate school in STEM disciplines. Your career aspirations should heavily influence your choice.

• How do the costs of attending Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd compare, and what financial aid options are available?

  Both Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd are highly selective and expensive institutions. However, both also offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. The net cost of attendance will vary significantly depending on your family's financial situation. You should carefully review the financial aid policies of both colleges and use their net price calculators to estimate your potential costs.

• What is the consortium system like at Harvey Mudd, and how does it compare to Swarthmore's independent campus?

  Harvey Mudd is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which includes five undergraduate colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd) and two graduate institutions. This allows you to take courses at the other colleges, participate in joint activities, and access a wider range of resources. Swarthmore is an independent institution with its own distinct campus and resources. The consortium system at Harvey Mudd offers a broader social and academic environment, while Swarthmore provides a more focused and self-contained experience.

• How do the engineering programs at Swarthmore and Harvey Mudd differ?

  Harvey Mudd's engineering program is a core part of its identity and is known for its rigorous, hands-on approach and emphasis on design. Swarthmore also has a strong engineering program, but it is integrated within a broader liberal arts context. Swarthmore's engineering program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to connect engineering principles with social and ethical considerations. If you want a purely STEM focused engineering education, Harvey Mudd is the better choice. If you want to combine engineering with other disciplines, Swarthmore may be a better fit.