Head-to-Head Comparison
Lafayette College vs University of Portland
- Lafayette Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 5
- Portland Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lafayette College achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $34,433 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Portland benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,804 at ten years.
44 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, 10% more than University of Portland
- 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $6,223 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lafayette graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (30% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (31%). 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 University of Portland. Median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Lafayette College. Net price $28,210 vs $34,433.
Pick Lafayette College over University of Portland. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Lafayette College over University of Portland. 88% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lafayette College and University of Portland are close on paper, but Lafayette College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,424 to 1,277.
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, University of Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $6,223 a year below Lafayette College's $34,433. Graduates of Lafayette College also borrow less: median debt of $16,000, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $24,892 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lafayette College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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.
Moving people up
Lafayette College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. University of Portland also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Lafayette College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Portland to keep costs and debt down; pick Lafayette College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Portland saves about $6,223 a year, yet Lafayette College graduates earn $8,606 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, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Portland leans toward Health Professions, 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 University of Portland's $28,210.
- Business and consulting-track students: Lafayette College has less business program depth, and University of Portland offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $16,000 at Lafayette College.
- Engineering-focused students: Lafayette College has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Portland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Oregon ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Lafayette's top program is Sociology (30% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (31%).
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 Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lafayette College is strongest in Social Sciences, Psychology, while University of Portland concentrates in Health Professions, Business & Marketing. 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 University of Portland?
Lafayette College is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Lafayette College or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $34,433 at Lafayette College.
Do Lafayette College or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Lafayette College graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,410 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lafayette College or University of Portland?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 80%.
Lafayette College vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Lafayette College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Lafayette College or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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