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More faculty, smaller classes, less student loan debt
Lafayette is giving the most qualified students access to the best possible educational experiences where cost is no obstacle, there is more student-faculty contact in smaller classes, far less student loan debt, and increased numbers of faculty.
In a bold move that puts it at the forefront of progressive thinking–and action–among schools nationwide, Lafayette has eliminated, or is reducing over the next two years, loans in its need-based financial aid packages awarded to students from families with incomes up to $100,000.
But what sets Lafayette apart is that, while making this investment to enhance financial aid, the College is simultaneously investing in dramatically increasing the size of the faculty without expanding the student body–a bold move that will result in lowering the student-to-faculty ratio in the classroom and significantly increasing student-faculty contact.
Increasing financial aid and growing the faculty are key elements in Lafayette’s strategic plan, which focuses on strengthening its academic core and its human capital. The steps reflect “our exceptional commitment to student-centered learning,” says President Daniel H. Weiss.
Lafayette has eliminated loans from the need-based aid packages awarded to students whose families’ incomes are less than $50,000 and whose financial assets are typical of that income level. Lafayette also will limit the loans in aid packages for students with family incomes between $50,000 and $100,000. Loans will be limited to $2,500 per year.
At the same time, Lafayette is increasing the overall size of the faculty by 35 positions (nearly 20 percent) over the next five years. “Adding new faculty goes to the heart and soul of the institution. We’re going to bring in people with new expertise and new perspectives,” says Provost Wendy L. Hill.