Lafayette College
Lafayette College is a private nonprofit university in Easton, PA ranked #128 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 2,746 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 31.5%. Students most often pursue Economics and Chemical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 92.1% first-year retention, and 88.0% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $32,496, about $15,498 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -38.0%, roughly 123.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $80,614. That's about $36,926 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Lafayette College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lafayette College graduates 88.0% of students within six years and keeps 92.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lafayette College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $62,574 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,640 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,150 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $78,854 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 10.3% of Lafayette College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,903 to $49,830 depending on family income. Use Lafayette College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,829/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $49,830/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $80,614
- 10-Year Median Earnings $80,614
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 90.7%
- Employment Rate 76.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lafayette College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lafayette College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lafayette College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lafayette College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lafayette College graduates earn $80,614 median, the -38.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 670-730
- SAT Math 670-760
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 30-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,746
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 92.1%
- Graduation Rate 88.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Lafayette College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lafayette College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 31.5%, Lafayette College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Lafayette College accepts 31.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1340 and 1490 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lafayette College undergraduates. Economics, Political Science and Government, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Economics 15.0%
- Political Science and Government 10.9%
- Mechanical Engineering 7.3%
- Psychology, General 6.2%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 6.2%
- Sociology and Anthropology 4.6%
See more majors
- Civil Engineering 4.4%
- Biology, General 4.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $106,100
- 2. Chemical Engineering $97,678
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $94,144
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $92,887
- 5. Civil Engineering $90,802
- 6. International Relations and National Security Studies $89,758
- 7. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $82,698
- 8. Political Science and Government $81,966
- 9. Biology, General $78,669
- 10. Engineering, General $76,507
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $106,100—39% more than Engineering, General ($76,507). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lafayette College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 117 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (32 programs)▼
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Mechanical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Engineering, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Area Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Philosophy
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Physics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Religion/Religious Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,746
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.1%
- Female Students 48.9%
- Caucasian 68.3%
- Asian 3.7%
- Hispanic 8.8%
- Black 5.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 10.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lafayette College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lafayette College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lafayette College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lafayette College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 10.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lafayette College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lafayette College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lafayette College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -38.0% ROI. Ranked #128 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $32,496 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $80,614 median earnings. With 88.0% graduating within six years and 92.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lafayette College's Positioning
With a A grade and #128 ranking, Lafayette College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $32,496 annually, Lafayette College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 92.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $22,747 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -38.0% ROI and $80,614 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $22,496+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lafayette College ranks #128 of 6272 institutions, with 681 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 88.0% six-year graduation rate sits 25.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.1% first-year retention is 15.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -38.0% return on investment is 123.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $80,614 run about 85% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $32,496 is roughly $15,378 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 76.8% employment rate within three years sits 8.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $32,496 is about $15,378 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 10.3% trails the national share by 28.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Lafayette College—a private nonprofit university in Easton, PA—at A overall. It holds a #128 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support A-, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
92.1% of learners come back after year one while 88.0% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -38.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $32,496 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $78,854.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $46,358 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 10.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $80,614 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 85% higher.
Roughly 76.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -38.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
31.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lafayette College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Easton, PA 18042-1768
- Website www.lafayette.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$1.02B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate9.3%