Lafayette College logo

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: A private liberal arts college blending rigorous academics with D1 athletics.

Lafayette College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in Easton, Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant academic experience for approximately 2,700 undergraduates. Known for its intimate learning environment, the college places a strong emphasis on small class sizes and robust undergraduate research opportunities, fostering deep engagement across its programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Beyond academics, Lafayette boasts a spirited NCAA Division I athletics presence as a proud member of the Patriot League.

Founded in 1826 and named in homage to the Marquis de Lafayette, a celebrated hero of the American Revolution, the college carries a rich legacy. Early on, Lafayette distinguished itself by incorporating manual labor into its curriculum, focusing on military and civil engineering, and notably educating free African Americans for missionary work in Liberia. This forward-thinking approach laid the groundwork for a college that has continuously adapted while maintaining its core commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Today, Lafayette's scenic suburban campus on College Hill overlooks the Delaware River, providing an inspiring setting for students. With an endowment exceeding $1 billion, the college demonstrates a strong foundation for future growth and student support. It continues to evolve, recently welcoming its first female president and undertaking significant fundraising campaigns to expand its facilities and enhance financial aid, ensuring accessibility and a modern learning environment for generations to come.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1826 and named after American Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette.
  • A private liberal arts college offering comprehensive programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
  • Empowers approximately 2,700 undergraduates with small class sizes and a strong emphasis on research.
  • Boasts a robust $1.125 billion endowment as of 2024, signaling financial strength.
  • Competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Patriot League.
  • Historically significant for educating free African Americans for missionary work and for establishing some of the nation's earliest Greek-letter fraternities.
  • Welcomed its first female president in 2013, marking a significant leadership milestone.

Timeline

1824
A group of Easton residents met to discuss founding a college.
1826
College charter gained state approval and board of trustees elected first officers; named after Marquis de Lafayette.
1829
College opened with four students.
1832
Classes began with 43 students.
1839
College purchased property on "College Hill"; manual labor curriculum ended.
1849
Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
1857
First Greek-letter fraternities established at the college.
2013
Alison Byerly announced as Lafayette's 17th and first female president.
2021
Nicole Hurd announced as Byerly's successor as president.

Find Scholarships at Lafayette College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search