Lafayette College

Lafayette College admits approximately 31.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 3 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Lafayette College in the Selective category among four-year institutions, with admission more accessible than highly selective colleges but more competitive than typical private institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights Lafayette College's greater selectivity compared to similar private nonprofit institutions, admitting 39 percentage points fewer applicants than typical peers. This selectivity level means academically strong students face reasonable admission odds, though competition remains meaningful.

Students should approach Lafayette College as a match or slight reach school depending on their academic profile, building college lists that include both more and less selective alternatives. The selective admission environment allows Lafayette College to enroll academically accomplished students while maintaining manageable class sizes and close faculty-student relationships typical of liberal arts colleges.

Lafayette College's published cost of attendance reaches $78,854 per year, including $62,574 in tuition, $18,640 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $32,496 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $46,358 from the sticker price.

This net price falls $5,353 below the peer median of $27,143, indicating Lafayette College costs more than typical private nonprofit institutions despite significant financial aid. The gap between published and actual costs reflects Lafayette College's high-aid, high-tuition model common among selective private colleges.

Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $11,903 for families earning under $30,000 to $49,830 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure concentrates aid toward lower-income families while maintaining accessibility across income levels.

Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as financial aid substantially reduces actual costs for most families attending Lafayette College.

Lafayette College graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and exceptional long-term financial outcomes. Median earnings rise from $80,614 six years after enrollment to $84,452 at eight years and $91,410 at ten years, representing 13.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 397 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $28,344 more annually than the peer median, positioning Lafayette College in the 97th percentile for absolute earnings performance.

The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with outcomes ranging from $63,534 at the 25th percentile to $133,083 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Low-income graduates earn $77,800, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Approximately 20.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry across liberal arts and engineering fields.

Lafayette College offers 10 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Applied Economics ranks #36 nationally and #3 in Pennsylvania, producing 117 graduates with median earnings of $88,504 and a value score of 82.7, making it the largest program by enrollment.

American Government and Politics ranks #17 nationally and #3 in Pennsylvania, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $71,924 and an exceptional value score of 94.6. Civil Engineering ranks #17 nationally and #2 in Pennsylvania, with 34 graduates earning $88,494 and a value score of 90.2.

Psychology, General ranks #13 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania, graduating 48 students with median earnings of $60,657 and the highest value score of 96.5. Sociology and Anthropology achieves the #1 national ranking, graduating 36 students with median earnings of $43,321 and a perfect value score of 100.0, demonstrating Lafayette College's strength across diverse academic disciplines.