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Lafayette College vs Williams College

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

12
Lafayette Wins
7
Tied / N/A
23
Williams Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
2,757
Enrollment
2,076
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

31%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1424
SAT Average
1533
32
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1350-1500
SAT Range
1490-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,398
In-State Tuition
$68,560
$65,398
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,560
$34,433
Average Net Price
$17,716
$12,716
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-2,610
$7,445
Net Price ($30-48K)
$-1,727
$10,881
Net Price ($48-75K)
$-1,978
$52,608
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,594
12%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
20%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
95%
90%
Retention Rate
97%
87%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$12,663
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,317
15%
First-Gen Students
22%

Student Body

58%
Female
51%
67%
White
47%
10%
Hispanic
14%
6%
Black
6%
3%
Asian
12%
0.54
Diversity Index
0.73

Outcomes

$80,614
Earnings (6yr)
$71,754
$84,452
Earnings (8yr)
$79,082
$91,410
Earnings (10yr)
$88,665
$16,000
Median Debt
$12,761
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
85%
Earning Above HS
68%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

162.69%
Mobility Rate
98.66%
5854.6%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3087.0%
277.9%
From Bottom 20%
319.6%
$156,700
Parent Median Income
$184,000

Social Capital

1.84
Economic Connectedness
1.85
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.5%
Volunteering Rate
10.6%

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.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $88,665 earnings $17,716 net

With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.

Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.

When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.

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