Lafayette College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~36%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28-32
- Middle 50% SAT: 640-720 ERW; 650-750 Math
- Average GPA: 3.71
- Below the typical ranges: This is a high reach. Focus on standout extracurriculars, strong essays, and a clear academic direction—Lafayette values intellectual curiosity and fit.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive, but not a lock. Essays, recommendations, and demonstrated interest can make the difference.
- Well above the ranges: Admission odds improve, but merit scholarships are still highly selective—don’t assume strong stats = big money.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Lafayette College at a Glance
- Merit scholarships are limited and competitive: Even top students may receive little or no merit aid.
- CSS Profile required: Financial aid is heavily need-based, and families often underestimate their expected contribution.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Lafayette College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28-32; SAT: 640-720 ERW; 650-750 Math.
Average net price? About TBDyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
University financial aid page: https://firstyear.lafayette.edu/financial-aid/
Undergraduate research program page: https://academics.lafayette.edu/undergraduate-research/excel-scholars-program/
University scholarship page: https://admissions.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
Scholar programs page: https://advising.lafayette.edu/scholar-programs/
External scholarships and fellowships office: https://externalscholarships.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lafayette College 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $66,496 | $66,496 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $19,712 | $19,712 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $86,208 | $86,208 |
Average Federal Net Price: — — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
Lafayette requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional need-based grants.
- FAFSA: Required for federal aid
- CSS Profile: Required for Lafayette-funded grants
- Merit scholarships: Awarded automatically with admission
👉 New to the CSS Profile? Read our step-by-step CSS Profile Guide →
If parents are divorced, separated, or never married, Lafayette may require a separate CSS Profile from the noncustodial parent. This is one of the most common reasons families lose access to Lafayette-funded grants — even when the student clearly qualifies.
- FAFSA = federal aid (loans, Pell eligibility, etc.)
- CSS Profile = Lafayette institutional grants (the money that actually reduces the bill)
- Noncustodial CSS Profile may be required in addition to the student/custodial CSS Profile
Parent strategy: if this applies to your family, start early and use Lafayette’s financial aid deadlines page so you don’t miss the noncustodial step.
See Lafayette’s FAFSA/CSS deadlines (includes noncustodial CSS) →
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Lafayette College
Why is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state students?
Lafayette is a private college and does not receive state tuition subsidies, so all students are charged the same tuition and required fees.
What’s included in “Tuition & Mandatory Fees”?
Tuition plus the required student activity fee and the one-time matriculation fee for first-year students.
Is $87,318 what families actually pay?
That figure represents billed costs before aid. Many families pay less after merit scholarships and need-based grants are applied.
Does Lafayette offer tuition reciprocity or regional waivers?
No. Lafayette does not participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or other residency-based tuition discount programs.
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/college-costs/
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/federal-cost-of-attendance/
https://oir.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2025/11/CDS2025-2026.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?213385
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Lafayette College
Lafayette awards its primary merit scholarships automatically as part of the admissions review. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards, and all admitted students are considered.
Lafayette superscores both the ACT and SAT for admission and scholarship consideration. If your student submits scores, Lafayette considers the highest section scores across all test dates.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Lafayette states that Marquis awards require a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA to maintain. If a student falls below that line, the merit award can be reduced or lost.
Good news: losing merit does not automatically mean “zero help.” Students may still be considered for need-based financial aid if they remain eligible under Lafayette’s standards.
Each entering class typically includes about 10 Marquis Fellows (full tuition) and around 50 Marquis Scholars (half tuition), with a larger group of students receiving Cur Non or Lafayette Awards as part of their admission and aid package.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Lafayette College
Do I need to apply separately for merit scholarships?
No. Lafayette considers all admitted students automatically for Marquis, Cur Non, and Lafayette Awards using the admissions application.
When should students apply to maximize scholarship consideration?
Lafayette considers all first-year applicants who apply by the January 15 Regular Decision deadline
for Marquis and other institutional merit awards. While there is no separate scholarship deadline,
submitting application materials earlier in the cycle is recommended so files are complete and reviewed promptly.
When are merit decisions released?
Merit scholarships are typically included with the admission decision for Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants.
Can test-optional students receive merit scholarships?
Yes. Submitting test scores is optional. If scores are submitted, Lafayette superscores them; if not, GPA, rigor, and the full application carry more weight.
Do these scholarships stack with need-based aid?
Yes. Lafayette confirms that students whose demonstrated need exceeds their merit award may receive additional institutional aid up to demonstrated need.
Are Marquis Fellowships competitive?
Yes. While initial consideration is automatic, some Marquis candidates are invited to a finalist selection process, making these awards highly competitive.
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
https://lafayette.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/admissions-and-costs/academic-scholarships
https://advising.lafayette.edu/scholar-programs/
https://oir.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2025/11/CDS2025-2026.pdf
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at Lafayette College
Lafayette’s top merit awards begin with automatic consideration, but the most prestigious levels include a competitive finalist process for a small number of students. These awards are limited, high-value, and represent the college’s flagship merit recognition.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Flagship Marquis awards are drawn from the regular admission pool; no separate scholarship application is required, though some finalists may be invited to campus for additional evaluation later in the cycle.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at Lafayette College
Early Decision can help a student show strong commitment — but it’s also binding. If your family needs to compare multiple financial aid offers side-by-side, Regular Decision can be the safer plan.
Are these scholarships automatic or competitive?
Initial consideration is automatic with admission, but the most prestigious Marquis awards include a competitive,
invite-only finalist process for a limited number of students.
Is there a separate application or essay?
No separate scholarship application is required. Finalists may be asked to participate in interviews,
campus programs, or additional evaluation steps.
Do Early Decision applicants qualify?
Yes. Lafayette considers both Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants for Marquis Fellowships and Scholarships.
Can a Marquis award be combined with need-based aid?
Yes. Lafayette confirms that students whose demonstrated financial need exceeds their Marquis award
may receive additional institutional aid up to demonstrated need.
If I’m not selected as a Fellow, can I still receive merit aid?
Yes. Students not selected for a Marquis Fellowship may still receive a Marquis Scholarship, Cur Non Scholarship,
or Lafayette College Award.
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
https://lafayette.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/admissions-and-costs/academic-scholarships
https://advising.lafayette.edu/scholar-programs/
🎖 Honors Program & Honors-Based Scholarships
Lafayette College does not operate a separate undergraduate Honors College. Instead, its most academically strong students are recognized through campuswide scholar programs—most notably the Marquis Fellows and Marquis Scholars— which combine significant merit aid with academic enrichment.
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
*While no separate scholarship application is required initially, some Marquis candidates are invited to participate in an additional finalist selection process.
FAQ — Honors & Academic Recognition at Lafayette
Does Lafayette have an Honors College?
No. Lafayette does not operate a separate Honors College. Academic recognition and enrichment are integrated through scholar programs and merit awards.
Do Honors students receive extra scholarship money?
There are no scholarships reserved exclusively for “Honors” students. The largest merit awards (Marquis Fellowship and Scholarship) are campuswide.
Is the Marquis Fellowship the same as Honors?
Not formally, but it functions similarly. Marquis Fellows receive significant academic enrichment, close faculty interaction, and cohort-style programming.
Can students without a Marquis award still access enrichment programs?
Yes. Many campus scholar and enrichment programs are open through application or nomination after enrollment.
Does Honors participation affect financial aid?
No direct impact. Financial aid is determined through merit awards, institutional grants, and demonstrated need—not Honors status.
https://lafayette.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/admissions-and-costs/academic-scholarships
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
https://advising.lafayette.edu/scholar-programs/
⭐ College Specialty
Lafayette College is a highly selective liberal arts college with a rare, nationally respected engineering program—a combination that attracts students who want deep academic rigor, close faculty mentorship, and strong career outcomes. Families often discover Lafayette because it offers the feel of a small liberal arts college while delivering research access, professional pipelines, and outcomes more commonly associated with larger universities.
Engineering (Undergraduate-Focused) — Lafayette is widely known for its undergraduate engineering programs, where students have direct access to faculty, hands-on design work, and funded research opportunities. Unlike many engineering schools, undergraduates are not competing with graduate students for labs, mentorship, or project leadership.
- Engineering & Applied Sciences: Civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and computer engineering programs are consistently recognized for outcomes, with graduates placing into top firms, startups, and competitive graduate programs.
- International Affairs & Global Studies: One of Lafayette’s most distinctive interdisciplinary strengths, combining politics, economics, history, and language study with strong study-abroad participation.
- Economics & Government: Well-known for quantitative rigor and policy focus, with strong placement into consulting, finance, law, and public policy roles.
- Undergraduate Research: Lafayette emphasizes faculty-mentored research across disciplines, with many students completing funded summer research or senior thesis projects.
🔗 Official Lafayette College Links
Use Lafayette College’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic details. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and updates.
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Undergraduate Admissions:
Admissions & Aid
-
Application Plans & Deadlines (ED / RD):
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/apply/first-year-student/ -
Scholarships & Institutional Aid (Marquis, Lafayette Awards):
Lafayette Scholarships
-
Academic Scholarships (Official Catalog Details):
https://lafayette.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/admissions-and-costs/academic-scholarships -
Tuition, Fees & College Costs:
College Costs
-
Federal Cost of Attendance (Aid-Year Breakdown):
Federal Cost of Attendance
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Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/lafayette -
Common Data Set & Institutional Research:
Common Data Set (CDS)
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Financial Aid Office:
https://finaid.lafayette.edu/