Lafayette College
Easton, PA
Quick Facts
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
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