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Lafayette College vs Princeton University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

6
Lafayette Wins
11
Tied / N/A
29
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
2,757
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

31%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1424
SAT Average
1553
32
ACT Midpoint
34
1350-1500
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,398
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$65,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$34,433
Average Net Price
$6,128
$12,716
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$7,445
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$10,881
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$52,608
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
12%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
20%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
97%
90%
Retention Rate
98%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$12,663
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
15%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

58%
Female
51%
67%
White
34%
10%
Hispanic
10%
6%
Black
9%
3%
Asian
23%
0.54
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$80,614
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$84,452
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$91,410
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$16,000
Median Debt
$10,320
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

162.69%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
5854.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
277.9%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$156,700
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.5%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#5
N/A
Teaching Score
90.9
N/A
Research Score
95.4
N/A
Citations Score
99.9

The Overviews

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private nonprofit

31% accept 88% grad $91,410 earnings $34,433 net

With an acceptance rate of 31%, Lafayette College in Easton, PA, is an appealing choice for students who are ready to engage deeply with their education in a supportive community. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Studies, Psychology, and Visual and Performing Arts. The college’s emphasis on collaborative learning and hands-on experiences really stands out, making it a place where students can explore their passions while also preparing for their careers.

After graduation, Lafayette alumni can expect to earn an impressive average of $91,410 within ten years of completing their degrees. This figure highlights the strong return on investment that a Lafayette education can offer. With a graduation rate of 88%, it’s clear that students are not just enrolling here; they’re succeeding. This high success rate indicates that the college is effectively supporting students in their academic journeys, and that many are moving on to thriving careers.

In terms of affordability, the net price after aid is around $34,433, with a median debt load of $16,000 for graduates. This manageable debt level suggests that students can graduate with less financial burden, allowing them to focus on their careers and life after college. Lafayette tends to attract motivated individuals who are eager to make the most of their college experience, contributing to a vibrant campus culture where students thrive both academically and socially.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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