Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college in Easton, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1826 by James Madison Porter and other citizens in Easton, the college first held classes in 1832. The founders voted to name the college after General Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution. Lafayette College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. The college offers a wide range of majors and programs, and the faculty are highly accomplished scholars. In addition to its strong academic reputation, Lafayette College provides a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Students have access to numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, allowing them to pursue their passions and interests outside the classroom. The college also emphasizes the value of community service and encourages students to engage in meaningful civic and social involvement.
Location
The college’s campus is located on a beautiful 550-acre campus in Easton, Pennsylvania. The campus is home to a variety of historic buildings, including Old Main, which was built in 1832 and is the oldest building on campus. The campus also has a number of natural features, including College Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Student Cohort Size
Lafayette College has a population of 2729 undergraduate students. The admitted students represent 44 U.S. states and territories and 60 countries. 49% of students are females and 51% of students are male.
Four-Year Completion Rate
The graduation rate is among the most important factors when selecting a college. Lafayette College’s first-year retention rate is 87%. This means that 87% of first-year students continue their education for their sophomore year and beyond. The 4-year graduation rate is 86%. This implies that 86% of students were able to graduate after 4 years. The 6-year graduation rate is 89%. This implies that 89% of students were able to graduate after 6 years.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio at Lafayette College is 10:1. The students benefit immensely from the smaller class sizes. They get the opportunity to work closely with the faculty and learn from their expertise in the field.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Lafayette College received a total of 9,866 applications for the class of 2027. This year was the second-highest number of applications ever received. 3,032 students were offered admission with an acceptance rate of 30.7 percent. This acceptance rate represents a slight decrease from last year’s rate of 33.6 percent. Nearly half of the incoming class was admitted through the early decision program this year. 363 students were granted admission through the early decision process.
Acceptance GPA
The admitted students at Lafayette College have an average GPA between the range of 3.36 – 3.82.
Types of Admission
The students can apply through the Early Decision and Regular Decision programs. Early Decision I and Early Decision II is an opportunity for students to show that Lafayette College is their number one choice. Early Decision is a binding process and it implies that the students should attend Lafayette College if accepted. The students also have the option to apply through the Regular Decision process. Regular Decision may be right for you if you need more time to get your application ready. Many more students apply for Regular Decision than Early Decision. Lafayette College also gives applicants the opportunity to convert their Regular Decision application to an Early Decision II by February 1.
Application Components
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Complete the online application through Common Application
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Letters of Recommendation from a guidance counselor and at least one teacher.
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Official high school transcript and school report submitted directly from the high school.
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Mid-year or first-trimester grades should be submitted directly from the high school when they become available. For students applying early decision, first marking period grades are required as part of your application.
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Optional: SAT or ACT scores: The SAT scores range from 1330 to 1480 and the ACT scores range from 30 to 33.
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Required Supplemental Essay: Why Lafayette? Length: 20-200 words. Students identify Lafayette as an excellent fit for countless reasons. In your response, be deliberate and specific about your motivation for applying to Lafayette. Why do you see yourself at Lafayette?
Academics
Lafayette offers over 50 areas of study across four academic divisions: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Students also work with professors to create their own majors. Students at Lafayette have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Most Popular Majors
Economics
Political Science and Government
Mechanical Engineering
Psychology
International Relations
Neuroscience and Neurobiology
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Biology
Information Science
Recent Self-Designed Majors
Psychosocial Elements of Consumerism
Theory of Perception in Digital Media
Technology and Law
Decision Making
Social Justice
Communications and Society
Chinese Language and Culture
Entrepreneurship and Marketing
Cost of Attendance
College Costs: 2024-2025
| Billed Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $64,248 |
| Matriculation fee* | $750 |
| Activity fee | $360 |
| Housing Expenses (room rate 1)** | $11,820 |
| Food Expenses (20 meals/week)*** | $7,224 |
| TOTAL | $84,402 |
| Light Load/Part-Time Status (Important Light Load Status Information) per course rate | $10,708 |
Overall, Lafayette College is known for its strong academics, vibrant student life, and commitment to diversity. Lafayette College is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen careers. The college is a great choice for students who are looking for a challenging academic experience, a supportive community, and a beautiful campus. Lafayette College prepares them to be engaged and responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
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