Lafayette College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on February 10, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28–32
- Middle 50% SAT: 640–720 ERW • 650–750 Math
- Average GPA (HS): 3.71
Source: Lafayette College Common Data Set (most recent). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Lafayette at a Glance
https://oir.lafayette.edu/cds/
https://oir.lafayette.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/196/2025/11/CDS2025-2026.pdf
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/institutionprofile.aspx?unitId=213385
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=213385
https://admissions.lafayette.edu/scholarships/
https://lafayette.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/admissions-and-costs/academic-scholarships
https://advising.lafayette.edu/scholar-programs/
https://firstyear.lafayette.edu/financial-aid/
💰 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 the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
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.
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Because Lafayette is a private college, tuition and required fees are the same for all students regardless of residency.
While Lafayette’s published cost is high, most students receive institutional grants or scholarships, and the average price paid is significantly lower after merit and need-based aid. Families should always confirm estimates using the Net Price Calculator.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $67,606 | $67,606 |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $19,712 | $19,712 |
| Total (Direct / Billed) | $87,318 | $87,318 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Lafayette — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals. Lafayette’s full federal Cost of Attendance also includes additional allowances used for financial aid calculations, such as:
- Books & supplies (about $1,000)
- Transportation (baseline allowance)
- Personal/miscellaneous expenses
Note: Federal COA allowances for housing and meals are slightly higher than billed charges and are used only to determine aid eligibility.
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
Lafayette’s average net price is published annually through federal tools like College Scorecard.
Because net price varies by income and aid eligibility, families should check Lafayette’s current federal profile for the most precise figure.
Students who qualify for Marquis or Lafayette merit awards or institutional need-based grants often pay significantly less than the sticker price.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquis Fellowship | Full tuition (≈ $66,000+/yr) | Exceptional academic record; typically ~3.9+ GPA*, ACT 31–33* or SAT 1450–1550*; leadership and rigor matter | No | Yes — up to 4 years (with GPA & full-time enrollment) | Very small cohort (~10 per class); top academic admits, some invited to finalist selection | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
| Marquis Scholarship | Half tuition (≈ $33,000+/yr) | Strong academic profile; typically ~3.8+ GPA*, ACT 29–31* or SAT 1350–1450* | No | Yes — up to 4 years | High-achieving admits; larger group than Fellows but still highly selective | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
| Cur Non Scholarship | Partial tuition (multi-year; amount varies by student) | Strong academic performance and curriculum rigor; GPA and test scores reviewed holistically* | No | Yes — renewable annually | Solid academic admits who stand out within the broader applicant pool | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
| Lafayette College Award | Partial tuition or grant (often blended with need-based aid) | Academic strength plus overall application review; may be combined with institutional grants* | No | Yes — renewable | Admitted students receiving merit recognition outside the Marquis tier | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
*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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquis Fellowship | Full tuition (≈ $66,000+ per year) | Exceptional academic achievement, curriculum rigor, and leadership; typically ~3.9+ GPA*, ACT 31–33* or SAT 1450–1550* | No (invite-only finalist stage) | Yes — up to 4 years (with GPA & full-time enrollment) | ~10 students per entering class; top academic admits, some invited to campus for a dynamic selection process | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
| Marquis Scholarship | Half tuition (≈ $33,000+ per year) | Outstanding academic profile; typically ~3.8+ GPA*, ACT 29–31* or SAT 1350–1450* | No (invite-only finalist stage for some) | Yes — up to 4 years | ~50 students per class; high-achieving admits, some selected after finalist review | ED I: Nov 15 • RD: Jan 15 |
*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.
| Program / Award | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Participates? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquis Fellowship | Full tuition | Top academic applicants selected from the admission pool; leadership, rigor, and intellectual curiosity matter. Some finalists are invited to campus for an additional selection process. | No separate initial app* | Yes — with GPA & enrollment requirements | A very small cohort (≈10 per entering class) of Lafayette’s most academically distinguished students. | By admission cycle (ED / RD) |
| Marquis Scholarship | Half tuition | Highly competitive academic award based on curriculum strength, grades, and overall application. | No separate initial app* | Yes — with continued eligibility | Approximately 50 scholars per class; students with very strong academic records. | By admission cycle |
| Campus Scholar Programs (Enrichment) | Academic & co-curricular enrichment | Invitation or application-based scholar communities tied to academic engagement and leadership. | Yes (program-specific) | Program-based | Students seeking deeper faculty mentorship and intellectual community rather than added tuition dollars. | Varies by program |
*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
-
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/lafayette -
Common Data Set & Institutional Research:
Common Data Set (CDS)
-
Financial Aid Office:
https://finaid.lafayette.edu/