<p>This whole discussion per comparing Haverford and Swarthmore is based on conjecture, unless you actually examine the budgets of both colleges. Ditto for comparing any LAC. You are not including any data for administrative costs and other overhead, and are only guessing where the money is spent. However, you say that the spending per student includes these administrative costs.</p>
<p>If any of you actually have the budgets to examine, then there would be more validity. </p>
<p>As to which school is best to attend, I’d say the jury is out on that. They each have strengths, weaknesses and happy and unhappy students and alums. I have met some very loyal, successful and grateful Haverford alums. </p>
<p>Although enthusiasm for one school is very sweet, I think it behooves us all to realize that there are lots of happy students everywhere, including schools in all tiers of US News and World Report.</p>