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Lafayette College, one of the nation's oldest liberal arts schools, also has prominent engineering and science programs; graduates with good GPAs get accepted to medical schools at a rate of 74%. At this close-knit school of about 2,600 students, several programs connect liberal arts majors with engineering, science, or technology students to tackle real-world problems. Such cross-disciplinary and practical experience may be one reason that alumni do well in the workforce, reporting early career salaries averaging $63,000 according to PayScale data, about 14% more than the average reported by graduates of institutions with similar student demographics, according to Money's analysis. The Pennsylvania school also has an 87% graduation rate. Lafayette may not come to mind as a sports powerhouse, but the college does have a rich football history. In 1894, a Lafayette player helped spur the invention of the football helmet by wearing leather straps around his head. The college participates in one of collegiate football's oldest rivalries -- it's had 155 match-ups (and counting) with nearby Lehigh University. A climbing wall, six-lane pool, intramural sports, and a daily schedule of yoga and fitness classes are available for students interested in their own exercise.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: Lafayette College decided that only a minimal number of students will be granted on-campus housing and says those students will be subject to frequent testing and monitoring. A mix of in-person and remote instruction is being offered, and the college is prioritizing technology resources that can assist in virtual learning.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$72,800
% of students who get any grants
51%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$28,000
Average price for low-income students
$10,900
admissions
Acceptance rate
29%
Median SAT/ACT Score
1340/30
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
2,620
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
96%
% of need met
100%
% of students who get merit* grants
7%
Average merit grant
$30,780
student success
Graduation rate
87%
Average time to a degree
4.1 years
Average student debt
$21,500
Average salary within 5 years
$63,000
% earning more than $28,000
90%
key deadlines
Early decision application
Nov 15
Regular application
Jan 15
coronavirus update
FALL 2020 PLAN: Lafayette College decided that only a minimal number of students will be granted on-campus housing and says those students will be subject to frequent testing and monitoring. A mix of in-person and remote instruction is being offered, and the college is prioritizing technology resources that can assist in virtual learning.
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