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Lafayette College

Easton, PA

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

2,746
Total Students
$63K
Tuition (In-State)
$63K
Tuition (Out-State)
$32K
Avg Net Price
31%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
6-year
92%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lafayette College

Lafayette College: A historic liberal arts and engineering powerhouse fostering discovery in Easton, PA.

Lafayette College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in Easton, Pennsylvania, offers a dynamic blend of rigorous academics and a vibrant student experience. Founded in 1826 and proudly named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a revered hero of the American Revolution, the college quickly established itself as a hub for intellectual growth. Prospective students are drawn to its unique commitment to providing comprehensive programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and a highly regarded engineering curriculum.

Lafayette's history is rich with determination, from its founding by James Madison Porter and other Easton citizens to its early years which included a manual labor curriculum and an eventual affiliation with the Presbyterian Church in 1849. Despite initial financial hurdles, the college persevered, laying the groundwork for its current standing as a leading institution known for cultivating well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse careers and active citizenship.

Today, Lafayette College thrives with a close-knit undergraduate community of approximately 2,700 students. The campus, situated on College Hill, offers picturesque views overlooking the Delaware River, providing an inspiring backdrop for learning. Students benefit from an emphasis on small class sizes and extensive undergraduate research opportunities, fostering deep engagement with faculty and hands-on discovery. Beyond academics, the college boasts a spirited NCAA Division I athletics program as a proud member of the Patriot League, ensuring a vibrant and engaging student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1826 and named after Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution.
  • A private liberal arts college offering comprehensive programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
  • Manages a substantial $1.125 billion endowment as of 2024, reflecting its strong financial foundation.
  • Supports a close-knit undergraduate community of approximately 2,729 students (Spring 2023).
  • Distinguished by an emphasis on small class sizes and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
  • Competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a proud member of the Patriot League, fostering a strong athletic culture.
  • Located in Easton, Pennsylvania, providing a suburban campus overlooking the Delaware River, about 70 miles west of New York City.

Timeline

1824
A group of Easton residents, led by James Madison Porter, met to discuss founding a college.
1826
Lafayette College officially chartered by Pennsylvania Governor John Andrew Shulze on March 9.
1829
College opened its doors for the first time with four students under John Monteith.
1832
Classes officially began on May 9 with 43 students in a rented farmhouse.
1849
Lafayette College became formally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
1857
The first secret Greek-letter fraternities were established on campus.
2013
Alison Byerly became Lafayette's 17th and first female president.
2021
Nicole Hurd was announced as the current president, taking office on July 1.

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