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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $78,854 |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,574 |
| Room and Board | $18,640 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$46,358 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $32,496 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,903 |
| $30–48k | $5,125 |
| $48–75k | $11,291 |
| $75–110k | $23,829 |
| $110k+ | $49,830 |
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.
Lafayette College operates a need-based financial aid system that reduces average costs by $46,358 from the published price. The institution enrolls 10.3% Pell-eligible students, below the national average but reflecting its selective private positioning.
Financial aid concentrates heavily toward families earning under $75,000, with middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) paying net prices around $11,291 annually. The progressive aid structure indicates Lafayette College prioritizes access for lower-income students while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
Net price compression at lower income levels suggests robust institutional aid programs supporting economic diversity despite limited overall Pell enrollment. The high-aid model enables Lafayette College to maintain selective admission standards while providing substantial cost reduction for families demonstrating financial need through federal and institutional aid calculations.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Lafayette College graduates manage debt levels well below national and peer averages. Median debt reaches $16,000, compared to the peer median of $24,181, representing $8,181 less borrowing than typical private nonprofit institutions.
Student debt distributes from $12,000 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across the student body. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 demonstrates strong affordability, meaning annual debt payments represent approximately 18% of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS loans average $49,979 with monthly payments of $658, reflecting additional family borrowing for educational costs. These debt levels rank in the 83rd percentile nationally, indicating well above average debt management compared to all four-year institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Lafayette College delivers strong long-term returns despite higher upfront costs and modestly below average earnings beyond expectations performance. Graduates earn $91,410 annually, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally and $28,344 above the peer median, indicating exceptional earnings performance relative to similar institutions.
However, earnings fall $8,156 below expectations based on student demographics, placing Lafayette College in the 22nd percentile for value-added earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates sustainable loan repayment, with annual debt service representing less than one-fifth of typical graduate income.
Return on investment ranks in the 96th percentile, reflecting the combination of controlled debt levels and exceptional absolute earnings. Students should weigh the premium pricing against strong career outcomes, recognizing that Lafayette College delivers top-tier earnings for graduates willing to invest in selective private education and manage higher net costs than typical institutional alternatives.
