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Lafayette College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

14
Lafayette Wins
14
Tied / N/A
18
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
2,757
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

31%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1424
SAT Average
1427
32
ACT Midpoint
29
1350-1500
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,398
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$65,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$34,433
Average Net Price
$17,354
$12,716
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$7,445
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$10,881
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$52,608
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
12%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
20%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
89%
90%
Retention Rate
96%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$12,663
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
15%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

58%
Female
53%
67%
White
59%
10%
Hispanic
9%
6%
Black
2%
3%
Asian
11%
0.54
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$80,614
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$84,452
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$91,410
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$16,000
Median Debt
$20,484
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

162.69%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5854.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
277.9%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$156,700
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.78
0.00
Friending Bias
0.00
6.5%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#27
N/A
Teaching Score
74.3
N/A
Research Score
77.3
N/A
Citations Score
90.6

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.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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