
Lafayette College
The campus buzzes with Bicentennial celebrations and a vibrant student life.
Acceptance rate
31.4%
SAT (mid 50%)
1350–1500
Avg net price
$34,433
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Lafayette College admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Lafayette College admitted 31.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1350–1500 on the SAT and 31–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Lafayette College actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Liberal Arts and Engineering
Discover the power of 'AND.'
An interdisciplinary curriculum offers a rare combination of degree programs in liberal arts and engineering, allowing students to build their future with 51 majors and 41 minors.
- Liberal Arts and Engineering51 majors and 41 minors
- Interdisciplinary CurriculumArts & Humanities, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Interdiscipli
Verified from lafayette.edu and admissions.lafayette.edu and admissions.lafayette.edu.
Applying
Here’s what to send, and when.
- TestingOptional (2027 cycle)
Verified from https://www.lafayette.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://www.lafayette.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $83,133. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $34,433.
Lafayette College guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need for all applicants who meet application deadlines and also provides merit-based scholarships to a select few.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $91,410.
Verified from https://www.lafayette.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Economics13% of degrees
- Political Science and Government10% of degrees
- Mechanical Engineering7% of degrees
- Biology, General7% of degrees
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences6% of degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology6% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Dive into discovery, unleash your entrepreneur innovation, and rally around the Leopards on any given day.”
Students rally around the Leopards, engage in community events, and participate in a wide array of student clubs and organizations.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Lafayette College?
- Is Lafayette College test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Lafayette College is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Lafayette College?
- Very hard. Lafayette College admits 31.4% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350 to 1500 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Lafayette College cost?
- The list price is about $83,133. After aid, families pay $34,433 on average.
- Is Lafayette College worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $91,410 ten years after enrolling. 88% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Lafayette College.
Spike answers from Lafayette College’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.