Lafayette College

A spirit of bold curiosity and interdisciplinary ambition defines the intellectual life at Lafayette College, where the motto "Cur Non"—"Why not?"—challenges students to pursue knowledge without boundaries across the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering. Chartered in 1826 and named for the Marquis de Lafayette in honor of his service to the cause of American freedom, the College occupies a scenic hilltop campus overlooking the Delaware River in Easton, Pennsylvania, within the Lehigh Valley region approximately 70 miles west of New York City and 60 miles north of Philadelphia. Lafayette's rare combination of a rigorous liberal arts education with accredited engineering programs on a single undergraduate campus distinguishes it among American colleges. With just over 2,675 students, the College fosters a close-knit residential community where intellectual engagement extends naturally from the classroom to the residence halls, and where a tradition of undergraduate research, civic responsibility, and global awareness shapes every dimension of the student experience.

Collaborative learning is the hallmark of the Lafayette experience, where the campus functions as an intimate laboratory for research, creative inquiry, and purposeful engagement with the wider world. An exceptional 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures that every student receives personalized mentorship and meaningful access to faculty across more than 50 majors. Programs like the EXCEL Scholars initiative provide undergraduates with paid, hands-on research opportunities alongside faculty mentors—experiences typically reserved for graduate students at larger institutions. For international applicants, Lafayette is need-aware, meaning that a family's financial situation may be considered during the admissions process; however, the College is one of approximately 70 institutions in the nation that guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted and enrolled students. Through this blend of historic mission, residential vitality, and commitment to accessible excellence, Lafayette graduates emerge prepared to lead with the intellectual agility, ethical grounding, and global perspective that define the "Cur Non" spirit.