Bachelor of Economics at Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College offers the Bachelor of Economics as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for economics and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on September 5, 2027.

About Bachelor of Economics

Economic analysis can help us address such questions as:

What market failures cause environmental damage and what are the best policies to address this problem?
Is economic behavior rational, or do psychological factors introduce important irrational components?
What economic benefits and harms come from international trade?
Should the Federal Reserve try to keep the inflation rate near zero?
How should public spending programs in health and education be designed?
What are the drivers of economic growth in low-income countries?

Within a flexible program of practical relevance, Swarthmore's economics curriculum emphasizes analytical rigor, the use and interpretation of statistical evidence, and the development of sustained written arguments. Students develop a portable set of skills, making the economics major a pathway to a rich array of careers in business, law, journalism, public policy, government, and academics.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Economics at Swarthmore College

Entry Requirements

Common Application or QuestBridge Application
Swarthmore College Short Answer
- As part of the Common Application, you will be asked to submit no more than 250 words in response to a short answer question (QuestBridge applicants are asked the same question on our Swarthmore-QuestBridge Intent to Apply form). For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, students will be asked to choose one of the following three questions:
  - Swarthmore students’ worldviews are often forged by their prior experiences and exposure to ideas and values. Our students are often mentored, supported, and developed by their immediate context—in their neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community?
  - We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk—inside or outside of the classroom. How has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger?
  - Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?
$60 application fee or fee waiver*
School report
School counselor recommendation
High school transcript
Midyear grades: If your school does not have midyear grades, please provide a midyear progress report from your teachers.
Two academic-subject teacher recommendations/evaluations

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Economics at Swarthmore College

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for Bachelor of Economics at Swarthmore College

Applying via the Common Application

You can easily add Swarthmore to your list of colleges in the Common Application.

In addition to the Common Application's personal statement (you can choose one of seven essay prompts), we ask you to submit no more than 250 words in response to a short answer question. For the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, students will be asked to choose one of the following three questions:

Swarthmore students’ worldviews are often forged by their prior experiences and exposure to ideas and values. Our students are often mentored, supported, and developed by their immediate context—in their neighborhoods, communities of faith, families, and classrooms. Reflect on what elements of your home, school, or community have shaped you or positively impacted you. How have you grown or changed because of the influence of your community?
We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk—inside or outside of the classroom. How has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger?
Why are you interested in applying to and attending Swarthmore?

Bachelor of Economics at Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College

United States of America, Aberdeen