
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 Lafayette College’s admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Getting in is the hard part. Lafayette College admitted 31.4% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.
Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: 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, but they do not decide it.
The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Lafayette College actually rewards, and 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
Requirements and deadlines
- Testingoptional (2027 cycle)
Verified from https://www.lafayette.edu.
The essays
Supplemental essay prompts
The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from https://www.lafayette.edu.
Cost and aid
What you will actually pay
The sticker price is about $83,133, but that is not 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.
Campus life
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
Lafayette College FAQ
- 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, and 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, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $34,433.
- Is Lafayette College worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $91,410 ten years after enrolling, and 88% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly 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. Join the waitlist to get in early.
One email when Spike opens. No card, no account. About the waitlist.