About Us

Inspired by the desire to honor Marquis de Lafayette and his service to the cause of freedom during the American Revolution, Lafayette College was chartered in 1826 and established with an unwavering tradition of academic excellence and community spirit that has flourished for nearly 200 years.

More than 2,700 students from 44 U.S. states and territories and 60 countries come to Lafayette to experience intimate and transformative classes, labs, and field experiences. Lafayette offers a scenic, historic campus with state-of-the-art engineering, science, and performing and visual arts facilities and easy access to Easton, a picturesque river city abuzz with fine and casual dining, entertainment, and popular festivals. Lafayette’s pioneering roots and continued impact on Easton, the Lehigh Valley, and beyond will soon be celebrated as the College prepares for its bicentennial in 2026.

We’re an undergraduate-only institution located in Easton, Pa., where a liberal arts education meshes seamlessly with our nationally recognized engineering program.

  • Location: Easton is a small city with big charm. From food festivals and free live music events to bike races and dozens of foodie destinations, there’s always something happening in this Lehigh Valley city. Plus, we’re just 90 minutes away from New York City and Philadelphia, providing you with additional opportunities for internships, recreation, and more.
  • Educational opportunities: With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning experiences with globally recognized faculty that are often not possible at other institutions until graduate school. With 50+ majors, including interdisciplinary options, you’ll discover your passions at Lafayette.
  • Division I athletics: We offer 23 athletic programs, and 20% of our undergraduates are student-athletes. Our community cheers for them, decked out in leopard print, maroon, and white school spirit.
  • We believe in ands: We are liberal arts and engineering. Athletics and research. Academics and community engagement. Art and entrepreneurship. You don’t need to choose between your passions: You can do them all, and you can do them with the confidence that you have a team of professors, mentors, and classmates rooting for you.
  • Career preparation: Our Gateway Program prepares students for life after Lafayette. We facilitate shadow opportunities with hundreds of alumni, help students start building their network, and more. Within six months of graduation, 98% of student respondents from the Class of 2022 graduates were employed, continuing their education, in internships, or completing volunteer work.
  • The world is your classroom: No matter what your academic interests are, you can study abroad during your time at Lafayette. Even engineering majors are not only encouraged to study abroad, it’s actually built into the curriculum. Full semester study abroad programs are offered through numerous programs and countries. We also offer shorter programs in both January and May, and sometimes faculty-student research experiences can lead you abroad, too.
  • Residential: Not only is housing guaranteed for all four years, but 93% of students live on campus. Your community is never more than a short walk away.

Will you find your people here? We know you will. Lafayette is the kind of place you can call home.

WELCOME TO EASTON

Learn more about Easton

Easton’s many charms include its stunning natural beauty of the valley, cultural offerings, and an abundance of retail, dining, and entertainment opportunities for all visitors. Learn more about Easton.

Downtown Easton is also home to many restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. It hosts concerts, plays, musicals, stand-up comics, and dance performances. Learn about things to do in Easton.

Many of the Northeast’s major metropolitan markets are within easy reach of the Lehigh Valley by plane, train, bus, or car. Plan you visit. Transportation | Hotels/Shopping/Dining

Namesake and History

More than two centuries ago, a 19-year-old left home to follow a dream. He came to a new place far away, remade himself as a student and scholar and became a leader and a hero. His lifelong philosophy was so important to him he had its Latin translation emblazoned on his family crest. “Cur Non.” Today, at the college that bears his name, we embrace that philosophy daily.