Head-to-Head Comparison
Lafayette College vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lafayette Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 16
- Texas A&M Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lafayette College achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $34,433 compared to Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315 for in-state paths. Students who choose Texas A&M University-College Station benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $72,097 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Lafayette
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $16,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Texas A&M
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $13,118 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lafayette graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (30% of degrees); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Lafayette College over Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Lafayette College. Net price $21,315 vs $34,433.
Pick Lafayette College over Texas A&M University-College Station. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lafayette College and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Lafayette College wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Lafayette College is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,424 to 1,280.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lafayette College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $13,118 a year below Lafayette College's $34,433. Graduates of Lafayette College also borrow less: median debt of $16,000, against $17,804.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,472 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Lafayette College graduates report median earnings of $91,410, compared with $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lafayette College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Lafayette College graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Texas A&M University-College Station to keep costs and debt down; pick Lafayette College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $13,118 a year, yet Lafayette College graduates earn $19,313 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Lafayette College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,433 runs well above Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
- Business and consulting-track students: Lafayette College has less business program depth, and Texas A&M University-College Station offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds Lafayette College's 2,757.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Lafayette — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Lafayette offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Texas A&M does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Lafayette, where only about 36% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Lafayette College
Easton, PA · Private nonprofit
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
Rankings They Appear On
Lafayette College is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Lafayette's top program is Sociology (30% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Lafayette) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lafayette College is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Lafayette
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Lafayette College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Lafayette College is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Lafayette College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $34,433 at Lafayette College.
Do Lafayette College or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
Lafayette College graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lafayette College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Should you choose Lafayette College or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Lafayette College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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