Bicentennial celebrations kick off with numerous publications naming Lafayette as a top college in academics, financial aid, and more. | Photo by JaQuan Alston
As Lafayette College enters its bicentennial year, it continues to receive national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence.
In multiple rankings from respected outlets like U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and Forbes, as well as an inaugural list from LinkedIn, Lafayette College has once again been rated among the top colleges in the country.
“This Bicentennial is an opportunity to celebrate our distinctive history and cast an ambitious vision for our future,” President Nicole Hurd says. “We are so proud that these rankings honor both the past and point to our bright future as our students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to lead with impact.”
The areas where Lafayette continuously excels—academics, career services, financial aid, and school value—are reflected across the board.
Stellar academics
With more than 50 majors, Lafayette’s interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to connect ideas across different fields of study, from liberal arts to engineering. This interdisciplinary approach prepares our graduates to become critical thinkers and innovative leaders, ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
Learning at Lafayette extends beyond the classroom, as undergraduates work alongside our esteemed faculty, contribute to cutting-edge research, and collaborate on projects that have the power to change the world, as recognized by:
Ensuring student success
Alongside extensive career resources and a world-class education, Lafayette College empowers students with the tools to achieve their most ambitious goals. From Gateway Career Center’s Externship program to Career Tracks, students experience a variety of career opportunities firsthand through shadowing members of Lafayette’s far-reaching community. Students spend their time at Lafayette exploring opportunities, connecting with career counselors, and networking with alumni and professionals in their fields.
Leopards are prepared for life after Lafayette, too: 95 percent of the Class of 2024 were employed, continuing education, or doing meaningful life work within six months of graduation—and national ranking publications agree:
Financial support to make it all possible
With merit-based scholarships, a commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need, and a $200K no-loan threshold, Lafayette College invests in students as recognized by:
“At Lafayette, our mission is to empower a new generation of leaders by removing financial barriers. We stand among a select group of just 70 colleges and universities nationwide committed to meeting 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need,” says Forrest Stuart, vice president of enrollment management. “This isn’t just a policy; it’s a powerful belief that the true value of an education is not found in a price tag, but in the person you become: a compassionate critical thinker, a creative problem-solver, and a global citizen ready to make a lasting impact.”
More to love about Lafayette
From our commitment to remaining a global leader in sustainability to our community-engaged learning and scholarly activities, national rankings have recognized efforts across campus: