Lafayette College
Easton, Pennsylvania · Private
Lafayette College admitted 31% of 10,556 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1360–1490 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 88% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Lafayette College
Enter a score to see whether Lafayette College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (31%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Lafayette College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $65, and Lafayette College accepts the Common App fee waiver. Lafayette College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Lafayette College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 38% (356 of 937), compared with 31% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
2,660 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,316 took it, and 171 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Lafayette College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Showing interest
Considered
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.56 GPA. 53% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $83,364 a year. After grants, students paid $34,728 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Lafayette College’s acceptance rate?
Lafayette College admitted 31% of applicants: 3,289 of 10,556 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Lafayette College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Lafayette College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1360 to 1490, with a median around 1420. A score at or above 1420 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Lafayette College’s application fee?
The application fee is $65 for 2026–27, and Lafayette College accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Lafayette College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Lafayette College asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Lafayette College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Lafayette College asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (optional. one short essay, 20–200 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Does Lafayette College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Lafayette College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
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Writing your essays? See Lafayette College’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.