Swarthmore College has sent letters of admission to 963 prospective members of the Class of 2020. Twenty-three percent of the admitted students are among the first generation in their family to attend college. Based on previous admissions patterns, Swarthmore expects this group of admitted students to yield a first-year class of about 420 for next fall.

“Swarthmore received applications from another outstanding pool of students who live across the United States and around the world,” says Jim Bock '90, vice president and dean of admissions. “This year's admitted students are passionate about improving their communities, find innovative ways to explore and develop their talents, and prioritize intellectual growth both inside and outside the classroom. Swarthmore's residential liberal arts approach and our commitment to providing access to affordable education resonates with these students. We are excited to welcome them to campus next fall as Swarthmore's Class of 2020."

Fifty-nine percent of the admitted students come from public and/or charter schools, 20 percent from private independent schools, 11 percent from parochial schools, and 10 percent from schools overseas. 

The admitted students come from or represent six continents, 70 nations, and 49 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. California is the most highly represented home state of members in the newly admitted class. Following, in order, are New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, and Florida.

China and India, each with 10 students, are the most represented nations among non-U.S. citizens in the admitted class. Eight are from South Korea, seven are from Mexico, six are from Canada, and four are from Hong Kong. Three each are from Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Two each are from Australia, France, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam. One each is from Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Botswana, Colombia, Congo (Kinshasa), Denmark, Egypt, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Macau, Macedonia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Somalia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

Additionally, there are many students who carry dual citizenship with the U.S. or who have permanent residency whose nationalities are not included in this summary.

Twelve percent of the 7,717 students who applied were offered a position in the first-year class. Of the admitted students attending high schools reporting class rank, 95 percent are in the top decile. 

Engineering is the most popular intended major among the admitted students. Next, in order, are political science, economics, biology, mathematics, computer science, English literature, physics, psychology, and environmental studies.