Whether you aspire to be in the Olympics or compete at the collegiate level, the path to success begins with choosing the right college. However, choosing the best colleges for swimming is no easy task. We understand how crucial it is for aspirant swimmers to harbor their dream. So, we left no pool uncharted, analyzing more than 60 institutions across the states to identify the best college to cultivate the talent. We also scrutinized key factors, including swimming facilities, coaching staff, competitive success, academic support, and overall swimming culture, and compiled the list of the 5 best colleges for swimming and best swimming programs across states to save you from the legwork. Without further ado, let’s get started.
List Of The Best Colleges For Swimming
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#1. Harvard University
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$26,544
Consistent top rankings, numerous championships, top-of-the-line facilities, and quintessential academic excellence make Harvard the #1 best colleges for swimming. In both men’s and women’s swimming, Harvard consistently secures positions in the top 25 rankings across the country. They have also won numerous Ivy League championships and NCAA titles. The teams train at Blodgett Pool, which is a 50-meter, 25-yard pool with a diving well. In addition to their athletic success, the Harvard swimming teams are also known for their academic achievements. In Spring 2022 Division 1, the men’s team has a combined GPA of 3.6, and the women’s team has a combined GPA of 3.7.
On top of it, Harvard University holds the esteemed rank of #1 among all universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fees for Harvard University amount to $54,269, and the total cost comes to $79,450.
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#2. Stanford University
- Stanford, California
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$26,544
Stanford University ranks #2 among the best colleges for swimming in this year’s ranking. The men’s and women’s swimming teams have won numerous national championships, and the school has produced many Olympic superstars like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Standford bears a reputation, excellent coaching, and some of the best swimming facilities in the country. The Avery Aquatic Center is a world-class natatorium with a 50-meter pool, a diving well, and a warm-up pool.
Stanford University is also ranked #3 in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 2023. The tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $56,169 for undergraduate students. The cost of attendance is $78,898.
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#3. University of Michigan
- Michigan, United States
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$26,544
The University of Michigan’s men’s swimming and diving team holds the record for the highest number of national championships among all varsity sports. The Wolverines have won 42 Big Ten championships and 19 national championships. The team trains at the Canham Natatorium, which was built in 2005. The pool is 50 meters long and has eight lanes. They have had many successful swimmers over the years. Some of the most notable swimmers include Jon Urbanchek and Siobhan Haughey.
The University of Michigan is ranked #5 by Forbes. It is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The tuition and fees of the university for the 2022-2023 academic year are $16,736 for in-state students (first year/sophomore), and the total cost is $33,555.
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#4. University of California – Berkeley
- Berkeley, California
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$26,544
Berkeley has secured its position at #4 in this year’s ranking of the best colleges for swimming with a rich history of outstanding achievements. The men’s team has secured an impressive 11 NCAA championships, while the women’s team has earned 8. Berkeley’s swimming teams enjoy a state-of-the-art facility at the Spieker Aquatics Complex. This complex encompasses a 50-meter pool, a 25-yard pool, and a diving well.
The University of California, Berkeley also holds the prestigious #4 rank in the Global Universities category, according to U.S. News & World Report. The tuition and fees of the undergraduate program for the 2023-2024 academic year are $15,444 (living in campus hall). The total cost of attendance is $46,008.
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#5. University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Out-of-state
$11,442
$26,544
The University of Florida (U.F.) has a long and successful history in swimming and diving, and it’s #5 in the list of best colleges for swimming. The men’s and women’s teams have won 57 SEC championships and 5 NCAA national championships. Gators compete in home meets at the O’Connell Center Natatorium on the university’s Gainesville, Florida campus. The Natatorium is a 50-meter, 8-lane pool that seats 1,200 spectators.
UF is ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States. In 2023, UF is ranked #1 in the state of Florida and #4 among public schools, according to the US News and World Report. The tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are in-state tuition- $6,380 and out-of-state- $28,656. Attendance costs are estimated to be $23,150 for in-state students and $45,428 for out-of-state students.
Best 5 Men’s D1 Swimming Programs
1. Harvard University
- Ranking: #1 (Best University in the USA-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $54,269
- Attendance cost: $79,450
The Harvard men’s swimming and diving team belongs to the Ivy League, renowned as one of the most competitive athletic conferences in the USA. The team has showcased their exceptional skills, having clinched 6 Ivy League championships, with their most recent victory in 2023. Moreover, they have made an impressive 23 appearances at the NCAA championships. Over the years, Harvard has witnessed the participation of esteemed swimmers such as Mike Bottom, Jon Urbanchek, and Bruce Furniss, who have left their mark on the sport.
2. Stanford University
- Ranking: #3 (Best College category-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $56,169
- Attendance cost: $78,898
The Stanford men’s swimming program boasts a rich legacy of triumph. The Cardinals are always a contender for national championships and have produced some of the greatest swimmers in the sport’s history. Some of the most famous swimmers to compete for Stanford include Nathan Adrian, Aaron Peirsol, and Matt Biondi. In addition to their on-the-field success, the Stanford men’s swimming program is also known for its academic excellence. The Cardinal has a graduation rate of over 90%. On top of it, they have won 8 NCAA championships in men’s swimming.
3. Princeton University
- Ranking: #1 (Best National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $59,710
- Attendance cost: $83,140
Princeton University’s men’s swimming and diving program is prominent among the nation’s most accomplished teams. The Tigers have triumphed in the Ivy League Swimming and Diving championships during the years 2009-2013 and 2015-2016. Moreover, Princeton has nurtured exceptional swimmers such as Sondre Guttormsen, Patrick Glory, and Raunak Khosla, who have earned widespread recognition.
4. Yale University
- Ranking: #3 (Best National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $64,700
- Attendance cost: $83,880
The Yale men’s swimming and diving program boasts impressive achievements. The Bulldogs have secured a tally of 4 NCAA championships, 30 EISL championships, and numerous AAU championships. Among the renowned swimmers associated with Yale, like Bruce Haye, John Naber, and Matt Biondi, have etched their names in the annals of swimming greatness.
5. University of California
- Ranking: #8 (Best World University category-2023 according to Times Higher Education)
- Tuition & Fees: $13,752 (In state, On campus)
- Attendance cost: $41,052
The Cal men’s swimming and diving team is a proud tradition of excellence among the best colleges for swimming. The Golden Bears have achieved an impressive tally of 8 NCAA championships in Division I. They appeared 56 times in the NCAA championship. Some of the most famous swimmers to compete for Cal include Pablo Morales, Matt Biondi, and Tom Shields.
Best 5 Women’s D1 Swimming Programs
1. Stanford University
- Ranking: #3 (Best college category-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $56,169
- Attendance cost: $78,898
The Cardinal women are always in contention for national championships and have produced some of the greatest swimmers in history. They have won 12 national championships and 25 conference championships. The Stanford women’s swimming program has produced many Olympic medalists, including Katie Ledecky, Simone Manuel, and Missy Franklin.
2. Harvard University
- Ranking: #1 (Best University in the USA-2022 according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $54,269
- Attendance cost: $79,450
The Harvard women’s swimming program is consistently among the top contenders for the Ivy League championship. They have a rich heritage of nurturing Olympic medalists and remain strong contenders in the NCAA championships every year. Notable Olympic medalists who have come from the Harvard women’s swimming program include Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Dara Torres, and Fran Crippen.
3. Princeton University
- Ranking: #1 (Best National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $59,710
- Attendance cost: $83,140
The Princeton women’s swimming and diving team accomplished an impressive feat by securing victory in 47 consecutive meets from 1998 to 2004, establishing a remarkable record in the university’s athletics history. The Tigers have a long history of producing successful swimmers like Ellie Marquardt, and Nikki Venema.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Ranking: #5 (Top Public Schools-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $8,998 (In state, On campus)
- Enrollment cost: $19,897
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill women’s swimming program is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Tar Heels have produced numerous All-Americans and Olympians, including Olympic gold medalists Dara Torres and Allison Schmitt. They are a perennial contender for the ACC championship and the NCAA tournament.
5. University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Ranking: #1 (Top Public Schools-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $14,478 (In state, On campus)
- Attendance cost: $38,517
UCLA’s women’s team currently trains at Spieker Aquatics Center under head coach Jordan Wolfrum. The UCLA women’s D1 swimming program has produced many popular female swimmers, including Ann Curtis, Donna de Varona, and Tracy Caulkins.
Best 5 Men’s D2 Swimming Program
1. Colorado School of Mines
- Ranking: #38 (Top Public Schools-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $17,520 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $39,585
The men’s D2 swimming program of the Colorado School of Mines participates in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Orediggers have achieved numerous RMAC championships, with their most recent triumph coming in 2022. They have consistently qualified for the NCAA Division II championships, with their most recent qualification in 2023.
2. Rollins College
- Ranking: #1 (Regional Universities South-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $58,300 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $78,340
The men’s D2 swimming program at Rollins College participates in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Tars have clinched more than five SSC championships, with their most recent victory in 2019. Additionally, they have appeared in the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships several times, with recent participation in 2022.
3. Bentley University
- Ranking: #2 (Regional Universities North-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $58,150
- Attendance cost: $80,670
The Bentley University men’s D2 swimming program competes in the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10). The Bentley men’s swimming team has a long history of success. The team has won several NE10 championships, most recently in 2019. The team has also qualified for the NCAA Division II championships more than 5 times.
4. Florida Southern College
- Ranking: #8 (Regional Universities South-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $40,500
- Enrollment cost: $2,811
The Florida Southern College men’s D2 swimming program is one of the most successful in the country. The Moccasins succeeded at the national level, placing third in 2012 and 2016 and runner-up in 2013 and 2014. They have won over 10 Sunshine State Conference championships. Some notable men’s team alumni are Kevin Gill, Ryan Lochte, and Cullen Jones.
5. Grand Valley State University
- Ranking: #132 (Top Public Schools-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $14,628 (In-state)
- Tuition & Fees: $20,820 (Out-of-state)
The GVS.U Lakers are participants in the NCAA Division II and proudly belong to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). They have also made appearances in the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships, most recently in 2021.
Best 5 Women’s D2 Swimming Programs
1. Colorado School of Mines
- Ranking: #38 (Top Public Schools-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $17,520 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $39,585
The Colorado School of Mines women’s swimming program is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Orediggers have won several RMAC championships. They have produced several All-Americans, including Meghan Slowey, a three-time All-American in 2022.
2. Florida Southern College
- Ranking: #8 (Regional Universities South-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $40,500
- Enrollment cost: $2,811
Florida Southern College Division II women’s swimming program competes in the Sunshine State Conference. The Moccasins have won several conference championships and over 10 appearances at the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships. Some of the most notable Moccasin swimmers include Diane Buhler, Heather Petri, and Courtney Mathewson.
3. Rollins College
- Ranking: #1 (Regional Universities South-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $58,300 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $78,340
The women’s swimming program at Rollins College is part of the Division II program and actively participates in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Tars have a remarkable legacy of success in women’s swimming, boasting an impressive roster of All-Americans and Olympians, such as Jill Hughes.
4. Bentley University
- Ranking: #2 (Regional Universities North-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $58,150
- Attendance cost: $80,670
The Bentley women’s swimming and diving team is a competitive program that offers its student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level while also receiving a quality education. The Falcons are a force to be reckoned with in the Northeast-10 Conference.
5. Truman State University
- Ranking: #2 (Regional Universities Midwest-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $9,132 (In-state)
- Attendance cost: $26,452
The Bulldogs are a dominant presence in Division II swimming. They consistently pose a challenge in the race for the national championship and boast a rich history of achievement. Over the past several years, they have earned their place at the NCAA Championships on more than 10 occasions.
Best 5 Men’s D3 Swimming Program
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s
- Ranking: #2 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $59,750
- Attendance cost: $82,730
MIT’s intercollegiate sports team, called the MIT Engineers, competes mostly in the NCAA Division III. In the 2022-2023 season, the Engineers were ranked #10 in the D3 Power Rankings. Some of the notable alumni of the MIT D3 men’s swimming program are John Flanagan, Jeff Julian, and Mike Stamm.
2. John Hopkins University
- Ranking: #7 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $60,480
- Enrollment cost: $6,132
The men’s D3 swimming program at Johns Hopkins University competes in the Centennial Conference. The Blue Jays have won numerous NCAA championships and Centennial Conference championships. Among the standout swimmers who have represented the Blue Jays are Mike Stamm, Tom Dolan, and Matt Grevers.
3. California Institute of Technology
- Ranking: #9 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $60,816 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $86,886
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) men’s swimming and diving team is an NCAA Division III program that competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The team has won numerous SCIAC championships and has had several swimmers compete at the NCAA Division III Championships.
4. Swarthmore College
- Ranking: #7 (National Liberal Arts Colleges-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $61,992
- Attendance cost: $81,376
The Swarthmore College men’s swimming program is part of the prestigious Centennial Conference. The Garnet team has an impressive track record of having over 10 Centennial Conference championships. They have consistently qualified for the NCAA Division III championships and have seen several of their swimmers be named individual All-Americans, including Ethan Bergmann.
5. Amherst College
- Ranking: #7 (National Liberal Arts Colleges-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $67,280
- Enrollment cost: $1,971
The men’s swimming and diving team of Amherst College is part of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). They have clinched more than five NESCAC championships, with their most recent victory occurring in 2019.
Best 5 Women’s D3 Swimming Programs
1. California Institute of Technology
- Ranking: #9 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $60,816 (On campus)
- Attendance cost: $86,886
The Caltech women’s swimming team has a long and successful history and CIT is one of the best colleges for swimming. The Beavers have won more than 5 SCIAC championships, most recently in 2019. They have also qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships more than 10 times. In 2022, the Beavers were led by senior diver Jana Woo, who was named the SCIAC Diver of the Year.
2. John Hopkins University
- Ranking: #7 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $60,480
- Enrollment cost: $6,132
The Blue Jays have a strong tradition of excellence in women’s swimming. They have won several Centennial Conference championships. Some of the Blue Jays’ top swimmers are Kaitlyn Doherty, Abigail Smith, and Kelsey Wilson.
3. Amherst University
- Ranking: #7 (National Liberal Arts Colleges-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $67,280
- Enrollment cost: $1,971
The Amherst women’s swimming team has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1970s. The team has won a lot of NESCAC championships and qualified for the NCAA Division III championships more than 10 times. Some popular athletes who have competed for the Amherst women’s swimming team are Emily Loutzenheiser, Sarah Smith and Molly O’Brien.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Ranking: #2 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $59,750
- Attendance cost: $82,730
The MIT women’s D3 swimming program competes in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). They are consistently ranked among the top programs in Division III. The Engineers have also had a number of individual national champions, including Betsy Schumacker, who won the 200-yard freestyle in 2019.
5. Emory University
- Ranking: #22 (National Universities-2022 category according to U.S. News & World Report)
- Tuition & Fees: $60,774
- Attendance cost: $83,702
The Emory women’s swimming program is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. The Eagles have won numerous relay national championships and individual national championships. Some of the notable swimmers who have competed for Emory University are Annika Urban, Julia Wawer, and Cindy Cheng.
Final Words
Whether you dream of becoming the next Michael Phelps or maybe just want to improve your backstroke technique while having academic excellence, choosing the right college can help you keep the balance. The best colleges for swimming are known for their championship-worthy pools, top-notch coaching, a legacy of producing swimming legends, and academic results. So, it’s not just about winning races but also about personal growth, camaraderie, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.