Swarthmore is a highly selective, private, coeducational, residential college with a liberal arts and engineering curriculum. Located just 11 miles outside Philadelphia, our 425-acre arboretum campus inspires students with gorgeous gardens, rolling lawns, and wooded hiking trails — while a train station at the foot of campus connects them to the vibrant cultural offerings of one of the country’s largest and most diverse cities. Since its founding by Quakers in 1864, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good. Today, “Swatties” embrace the Quaker concept of collaboration instead of competition through a pass/fail first semester and without a published GPA or class rank. The range of perspectives, identities, and histories represented by Swarthmore students, faculty, and staff contribute to the community's strong sense of open dialogue and engagement with ideas and issues.