Overview
Founded in 1826 in Easton, Pennsylvania, Lafayette College is one of the oldest liberal arts institutions in the United States, named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette. It has built a distinctive national reputation for offering ABET-accredited engineering programs alongside a full liberal arts curriculum, a combination rare among small colleges, and it emphasizes close mentorship through an entirely undergraduate-focused faculty with no graduate teaching assistants. The college is known for its strong record of undergraduate research, high acceptance into top graduate and professional programs, and a tight-knit alumni network.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Easton, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1826 |
| Total students | 2,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| Graduation rate | 89% |
| Average starting salary | $70,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $64,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $64,000 |
| Room & board | $18,500 |
| Average financial aid | $50,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1330-1470 |
| ACT range | 30-33 |
| Average GPA | 3.7 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Engineering
- Economics
- Government & Law
- Neuroscience
- International Affairs
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.