Easton, PA · Private University
Is Lafayette College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$91,410
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$62,574
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,574
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$250,296
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.46x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
88.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$16,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$32,496
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Lafayette College graduates earn $46,410 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Lafayette College ranked by graduate earnings
18 graduates
60 graduates
24 graduates
26 graduates
32 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Lafayette College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Lafayette College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering, General: $92,618) and the lowest (Sociology and Anthropology: $43,321) is $49,297/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, GeneralBest ROI | $92,618 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $88,504 | 1.4x |
| Civil Engineering | $88,494 | 1.4x |
| Chemical Engineering | $86,678 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $78,864 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $71,924 | 1.1x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $64,575 | 1.0x |
| Biology, General | $60,777 | 1.0x |
| Psychology, General | $60,657 | 1.0x |
| Sociology and AnthropologyLowest(1yr data) | $43,321 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette College | 1.46x | $91,410 | Average ROI |
| Bucknell University | 1.45x | $93,807 | Average ROI |
| Trinity College | 1.35x | $90,779 | Average ROI |
| Lehigh University | 1.70x | $105,584 | Good ROI |
| Villanova University | 1.55x | $100,423 | Good ROI |
| Bryn Mawr College | 1.20x | $75,217 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Lafayette College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $91,410 10 years after starting — $46,410 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.