Supporting You on Campus

Kohlberg coffee bar

Our support doesn’t end when you’re admitted. After you commit to Swarthmore, you have access to a variety of resources that help support our diverse student body.

Learn more about:

 

Reducing the Hidden Costs of College

Cash-free Campus

There are no “additional fees” at Swarthmore. Nearly everything is included in the annual activity fee, so things like movie nights, laundry, printing, and athletic events are free to all students.

Textbook Affordability Initiative

The Textbook Affordability Initiative provides funds to support students’ textbook purchases in the Swarthmore Campus & Community Store. All students receive a $790 allowance each year to cover the cost of required course materials.

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund was created to help students with financial assistance in a serious time of need. For example, students who experience a temporary hardship (surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, or need for temporary housing) may be unable to meet their immediate and essential expenses. The Student Emergency Fund does not replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid.

 

Transitioning to Swarthmore

Swarthmore Summer Scholars Program (S3P)

The four-week Swarthmore Summer Scholars Program (S3P) is designed for students who are the first in their family to attend college, come from a low-income background or have had limited STEM-related preparation, and have a self-described interest in STEM fields. This program takes place during the summer before admitted students enter their first year at Swarthmore. S3P provides coursework in STEM and writing, along with mentorship from faculty and staff that lasts throughout the students’ time at the College. All expenses are paid for the four-week program.

Tri-College Summer Institute

Each summer, first-year students are invited to participate in the Tri-College Identity, Equity, and Social Justice Summer Institute, a four-day training session sponsored by Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford Colleges. The Tri-College Institute is a retreat/intensive workshop experience. Students participate in a mix of activities such as small-group discussions, journal groups, parties, lectures, off-campus trips, sports, and improvisational theater. The core topics are race, gender, class, privilege, and leadership.

 

Finding Community

Campus Spaces and Programs

Swarthmore’s campus includes physical spaces that welcome students from all backgrounds. Places you might want to explore include the Black Cultural Center, Women’s Resource Center, Interfaith Center, and Intercultural Center.

First in Family Program

If your parents or guardians didn’t go to college, you are encouraged to participate in Swarthmore’s First in Family program, which gathers faculty, staff, and students to share stories, strategies, and fellowship.

Student Organizations

Current student-run organizations include the Student Organization for Low-Income Students (SOLIS), Quest Scholars Network for QuestBridge applicants, and UndocuAllies.

 

Opportunities and Resources

Funded internships

You do not need to choose a paid internship over nonprofit or community work. The College offers internship funding programs to help cover your expenses while you pursue unpaid work.

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program seeks to remedy the serious shortage of faculty of color in higher education. Mellon Mays Fellows demonstrate promise as future college professors, and receive significant benefits.

Richard Rubin Scholar Mentoring Program

The Richard Rubin Scholar Mentoring Program offers mentoring, internship funding, and enrichment opportunities for first-generation and low-income students.

Study abroad

We have equitable study abroad policies. Global Engagement (domestic and international) programs cost the same for all students, so if you are from a low-income background, your study abroad options aren’t limited to low-cost programs. In addition, Swarthmore provides additional funding for plane tickets, meals, and local transportation abroad.

Undocumented student support

If you are an undocumented college student, you will find support from a member of the Student Affairs Division staff, who provides resources that are specific to your situation.