Arcadia University vs Lafayette College

Arcadia University and Lafayette College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Arcadia, known for its liberal arts foundation and diverse student body, boasts an acceptance rate of 75%, while Lafayette, a highly selective college, maintains a 33% acceptance rate. Arcadia's popular majors include nursing, business, and psychology, while Lafayette excels in engineering, economics, and government & law. Arcadia's student body is predominantly female (60%), while Lafayette's is more evenly balanced (52% male, 48% female). Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, with Arcadia at 70% and Lafayette at 88%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Arcadia University	Lafayette College
Overview
Location	Glenside, Pennsylvania	Easton, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	77.0%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian	Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.4%	40.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $50	$65
SAT range	1080 - 1280	1300 - 1460
ACT range	22 - 27	30 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	30.0%	28.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	13.0%
Total number of applicants	5,636	8,262
Total number of admissions given out	4,645	3,366
Admitted students who chose to enroll	390	782
Yield rate	8.4%	23.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$70,220	$75,934
Average net price	$26,949	$38,754
Tuition	$45,520	$55,874
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,000 Meal plan: $5,170	Room/dormitory: $10,308 Meal plan: $6,362
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $27,414	61.0% Average amount $34,668
Students receiving federal student loan	71.0% Average amount $5,318	26.0% Average amount $4,491
Students taking out private loans	17.0% Average amount $15,721	7.0% Average amount $23,831

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,832 Men 33.9% Women 66.1%	2,725 Men 51.2% Women 48.8%
Graduate students	1,232 Men 23.7% Women 76.3%	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	40.5%	82.6%
International students	2.2%	7.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,036	2,510
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Virginia Connecticut	New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Mississippi Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Psychology Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business	Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Physical Science Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	61.8%	87.9%
Dropout rate	6.4%	2.5%
Transferred out	31.5%	9.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $77,715 Year 3: $109,812 Genetics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,321 Year 3: $82,507 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,130 Year 2: $72,163 Year 3: $75,972 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,965 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $61,795 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $56,977 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $56,813 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,129 Year 2: $50,677 Year 3: $53,310 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,105 Year 2: $43,000 Year 3: $50,335 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,830 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $47,025 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,274 Year 2: $28,443 Year 3: $44,234	Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,532 Year 2: $68,379 Year 3: $80,306 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,033 Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $78,021 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,247 Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $76,714 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,784 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $76,536 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,714 Year 2: $72,403 Year 3: $75,320 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,927 Year 2: $58,943 Year 3: $72,455 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,229 Year 2: $48,198 Year 3: $60,266 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,408 Year 2: $44,468 Year 3: $57,092 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,680 Year 2: $32,391 Year 3: $50,156 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,170 Year 3: $48,201

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Lafayette College is generally considered to have a stronger reputation for its engineering and science programs, as well as its rigorous liberal arts curriculum. Arcadia University, while also offering a strong liberal arts education, is particularly well-known for its study abroad programs and its focus on global perspectives. Arcadia also has a stronger emphasis on creative arts programs.
How do the campus environments of Arcadia University and Lafayette College compare?

Lafayette College boasts a traditional, picturesque campus located in Easton, Pennsylvania, with a strong sense of history and a close-knit community. Arcadia University, situated in Glenside, Pennsylvania, offers a more suburban campus environment with a mix of historic and modern buildings. Arcadia's campus is known for its beautiful arboretum and proximity to Philadelphia, providing easy access to city life.
What are the study abroad opportunities like at Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Arcadia University is renowned for its exceptional study abroad programs, offering a wide variety of locations and program options. It has a long-standing commitment to international education. Lafayette College also offers study abroad opportunities, but Arcadia's programs are more extensive and a central part of its identity.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Both Arcadia University and Lafayette College are private institutions, and the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is relatively high at both. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly reduce the net cost for eligible students. It's recommended to compare the net costs after financial aid to determine which institution is more affordable for your specific circumstances.
What is the student life like at Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Lafayette College offers a vibrant student life with a strong emphasis on traditions, Greek life, and Division I athletics. Arcadia University also has a lively student body, with a focus on clubs, organizations, and activities that reflect its diverse student population. Arcadia's proximity to Philadelphia provides additional opportunities for entertainment and cultural experiences.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Lafayette College is generally considered to be more selective in its admissions process, with higher average SAT/ACT scores and a more competitive applicant pool. Both colleges consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Arcadia University's acceptance rate is typically higher than Lafayette's.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ between Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Both institutions offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Lafayette College, with its strong alumni network and reputation, often provides excellent opportunities for students in fields like engineering, finance, and business. Arcadia University's career services are also robust, and its alumni network is particularly helpful for students interested in international careers and fields related to its study abroad programs.
Which college is better for students interested in pre-med or pre-law?

Both Arcadia University and Lafayette College offer strong pre-med and pre-law programs. Lafayette College, with its rigorous academics and strong science programs, may be a slightly better fit for students seeking a highly competitive pre-med track. Arcadia University's pre-law advising is also excellent, and its liberal arts focus provides a strong foundation for law school. The best choice depends on the individual student's preferences and academic strengths.
What are the athletic programs like at Arcadia University and Lafayette College?

Lafayette College is a Division I school and has a more prominent athletic program, particularly in football and basketball. Arcadia University is a Division III school, offering a range of sports with a focus on student participation and a less intense athletic environment.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

Lafayette College's location in Easton, Pennsylvania, offers a traditional college town experience with a close-knit community. Arcadia University's location in Glenside, Pennsylvania, provides a suburban setting with easy access to the city of Philadelphia. This allows students to enjoy both a campus environment and the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city.

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