Expanding college aid

The investment in a Lafayette experience, as with most private national liberal arts colleges, is considerable. While the College meets 100% of demonstrated need, more substantial assistance is required to attract a broader range of future Leopards.

Several key indicators predict over the next 10 years that the number of prospective students in our primary geographic market will drop dramatically. The College has announced several strategic approaches to aid and investment in order to better position itself for future success.

Starting in the 2022-23 academic year for incoming first-year students, the College will increase its no-loan threshold from $50,000 to $150,000. In other words, domestic students with a total family income up to $150,000 and with typical family assets for their income levels will have their institutional need met by grants and work-study.

Additionally, Lafayette is leading the way among elite liberal arts colleges and universities as it ends the use of the CSS Profile for first-year students entering the College in fall 2022 who attend high schools designated as high poverty (>=75% of the high school’s students receive free and reduced lunch). Students who qualify for this exemption also earn a waiver from submitting this form for the duration of their time at Lafayette.

The moves already have received coverage in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

These initiatives add dimension to the College’s financial aid approach and create considerable opportunity to support many more Leopards in the years to come. They also bring an obligation to review and enhance where needed campus life and academic support programs, ensuring accessibility to them regardless of a student’s financial aid status.

The Financial Aid Office will continue to work with you to meet 100% of demonstrated need and provide support strategies for students who may graduate with college loan debt. The financial aid team is happy to discuss those strategies with you.