About Lafayette College
The sticker price hits $82,214 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,903 net, while those from $75,000-$110,000 households typically pay $23,829. Graduates earn a median of $91,410 ten years out, making the investment worthwhile for most. Students leave with only $16,000 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $170.
Lafayette's Leopards compete in Division I Patriot League athletics with 586 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports. The college accepts 34% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1405. Students stick around once they arrive, with 92% returning for sophomore year and 89% graduating within four years. The intense rivalry with nearby Lehigh University caps off each football season.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 88.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.1%
- Retention Rate
- 92.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,410
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $72,403 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,575 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,379 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,486 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $65,332 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,238 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $58,943 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $48,198 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With only 2,746 total students, you'll recognize faces across campus and develop close friendships within your residence hall. The Patriot League athletics draw weekend crowds, especially for the heated rivalry with Lehigh University that dates back to 1884. Greek life provides social options, though it doesn't dominate campus culture. Students often head to nearby Bethlehem or take weekend trips to New York or Philly. The "Cur Non" motto, meaning "Why Not," reflects Lafayette's encouraging atmosphere where students tackle challenging engineering projects, pursue undergraduate research, and participate in the college's strong study abroad programs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,506 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1826
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–37°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.1%
- Women
- 48.9%
- White
- 68.3%
- Black
- 5.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.9%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 17.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.3%
Location
- Address
- Easton, Pennsylvania 18042-1768
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $91,410
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $86,844
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $58,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 90.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $170/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lafayette College?
Lafayette College accepts 33.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a top liberal arts college. Admitted students typically score between 1330 and 1480 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for academic rigor in both liberal arts and engineering.
How much does Lafayette College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lafayette College is $32,496, lower than the full cost of attendance of $82,214. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay an average of just $5,125, while the college meets demonstrated need through generous institutional grants averaging $38,748.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lafayette College?
Lafayette College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with only 2,746 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships and reflects the college's commitment to undergraduate education in both liberal arts and its nationally ranked engineering programs.
What do Lafayette College graduates earn after graduation?
Lafayette College graduates earn a median salary of $91,410 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The school's 94.6% employment rate and strong alumni network in finance and engineering help explain these impressive outcomes for a small liberal arts college.
Where is Lafayette College located and what is campus life like?
Lafayette College sits on a hilltop campus in Easton, Pennsylvania, housing 2,506 of its 2,746 students on campus. The Leopards compete in NCAA Division I Patriot League athletics with 586 student-athletes participating across 20 varsity sports.
Is Lafayette College religiously affiliated?
Lafayette College was founded in 1826 with Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliation, though today it operates as a secular institution. The college's motto "Cur Non" (Why Not) reflects its tradition of encouraging students to pursue ambitious goals in both liberal arts and technical fields like engineering.
