Lafayette College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Lafayette centers on a tight-knit community where everyone seems to recognize everyone else walking across the quad. The hilltop campus features Georgian architecture that gives the college a classic New England feel despite its Pennsylvania location. Residential life shapes the Lafayette experience significantly, with most students living on campus all four years in residence halls or college-owned houses. Greek life attracts roughly 35% of students and plays a visible role in social programming, though plenty of events and organizations exist for those who prefer different social outlets. The college fields 23 Division I athletic teams in the Patriot League, and Lafayette-Lehigh football games represent one of the longest running rivalries in American sports. Intramural and club sports provide options for students who want competition without the commitment of varsity athletics. The Landis Center for Community Engagement connects students with volunteer opportunities throughout the Lehigh Valley, from tutoring local schoolchildren to environmental conservation projects. Student government, cultural organizations, and special interest clubs number in the dozens. Easton's downtown district sits walkable from campus, offering restaurants, shops, and the historic State Theatre for concerts and shows. The surrounding area provides outdoor recreation including hiking and skiing, while New York and Philadelphia lie within easy reach for weekend trips or internship opportunities.

Location & Surroundings

Easton occupies a sweet spot in the mid-Atlantic region that gives Lafayette students access to both small-town charm and major metropolitan opportunities. The downtown area has experienced significant revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, and cultural venues joining longtime local businesses. College Hill, where Lafayette sits, provides elevation and views that make the campus feel like a retreat above the everyday bustle. The Delaware River offers kayaking, fishing, and scenic trails along its banks just minutes from campus. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail passes nearby, and the Pocono Mountains provide skiing and hiking within an hour's drive. What really matters to many students and parents is the proximity to major cities without the distractions or costs of actually being in one. New York City lies 75 miles east, reachable by car or bus in under two hours. Philadelphia sits about the same distance south. Students routinely use these connections for internships, cultural experiences, job interviews, and weekend adventures. Bethlehem, just across the Lehigh River, adds additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options including the famous Musikfest summer festival and Christmas markets that draw visitors from throughout the region. The Lehigh Valley also hosts corporations in pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing that provide internship and career opportunities for students across disciplines.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Lafayette's commitment to undergraduate research sets it apart from colleges where such opportunities remain reserved for graduate students. The EXCEL Scholars program stands as perhaps the most distinctive offering, providing paid research positions that let undergraduates work as genuine collaborators with faculty rather than mere lab assistants. These projects have led to published papers, conference presentations, and discoveries that have advanced knowledge in fields from chemistry to sociology. The Technology Clinic program pairs engineering students with real companies facing actual technical challenges, providing consulting-style experience that employers find attractive. Lafayette's location enables unique internship arrangements where students can work in New York or Philadelphia while taking classes, thanks to flexible scheduling and supportive faculty. Study abroad participation rates exceed 50%, with programs available on every inhabited continent and special faculty-led courses during interim sessions. The Marquis Scholars program provides full-tuition scholarships to exceptional students from underrepresented backgrounds along with dedicated mentoring and programming. Lafayette's small size means that motivated students can pursue multiple interests simultaneously rather than having to choose between being a varsity athlete, a research assistant, and a student government leader. Alumni networks prove remarkably active in helping current students find internships and jobs, with Lafayette graduates expressing strong loyalty to their alma mater. The engineering and business communities in particular include many Lafayette alumni who specifically recruit from their college.

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