Haverford College vs Lafayette College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in academic focus between Haverford and Lafayette?

  Haverford College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies and student autonomy. It's known for its Honor Code, which fosters a community of trust and self-governance. Lafayette College, while also offering a strong liberal arts foundation, distinguishes itself with its robust engineering programs and a greater emphasis on pre-professional preparation. Lafayette provides more direct pathways to careers in engineering, science, and business.

• How do the campus cultures compare at Haverford and Lafayette?

  Haverford's campus culture is often described as collaborative, intellectually curious, and socially conscious. The Honor Code plays a significant role in shaping the community. Lafayette's campus culture is more traditionally collegiate, with a stronger emphasis on Greek life and school spirit, alongside a commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

• What is the size difference between Haverford and Lafayette, and how does this impact the student experience?

  Haverford is a smaller institution with an undergraduate enrollment of around 1,400 students, fostering a close-knit community and more personalized attention from faculty. Lafayette is larger, with approximately 2,700 undergraduates, offering a wider range of courses, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities. The smaller size of Haverford allows for more intimate class settings and a stronger sense of community, while Lafayette's larger size provides greater diversity in academic and social offerings.

• How do the locations of Haverford and Lafayette differ, and what are the implications for students?

  Haverford is located in a suburban setting in Haverford, Pennsylvania, a short train ride from Philadelphia. This provides students with access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city while maintaining a quieter campus environment. Lafayette is situated in Easton, Pennsylvania, a smaller city in the Lehigh Valley. While Easton offers its own charm and community engagement opportunities, it is further from major metropolitan areas, potentially requiring more planning for internships or cultural excursions.

• What are the strengths of Haverford's and Lafayette's science programs?

  Haverford's science programs are known for their emphasis on research and close collaboration between students and faculty. The college provides ample opportunities for undergraduate research, often leading to publications and presentations. Lafayette's science programs are strong, particularly in engineering and the natural sciences, with well-equipped labs and a focus on practical application. Lafayette's engineering programs are ABET-accredited, a significant advantage for students seeking careers in engineering.

• How do Haverford and Lafayette approach career services and pre-professional advising?

  Both Haverford and Lafayette offer comprehensive career services, including advising, resume workshops, and internship support. Haverford's career services are tailored to the liberal arts experience, helping students translate their skills to a variety of career paths. Lafayette's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with opportunities in engineering, science, and business, leveraging its alumni network and industry partnerships.

• What are the similarities between Haverford and Lafayette?

  Both Haverford and Lafayette are highly selective liberal arts colleges with a strong commitment to academic excellence. They both offer a wide range of majors and minors, encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities, and provide opportunities for study abroad. Both institutions also prioritize small class sizes and close interaction between students and faculty.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between Haverford and Lafayette, and what financial aid options are available?

  The cost of attendance at Haverford and Lafayette is comparable, as both are private institutions. Both colleges offer need-based financial aid packages, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Prospective students should visit the financial aid websites of both colleges to estimate their potential financial aid eligibility and understand the specific aid policies of each institution.

• What are some notable academic programs at Haverford that might not be as prominent at Lafayette, and vice versa?

  Haverford is particularly known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a unique emphasis on interdisciplinary connections. Its Bi-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr College expands course offerings and social opportunities. Lafayette is distinguished by its robust engineering programs, which are not offered at Haverford. Lafayette also has a strong reputation in economics and government & law, providing a more direct path to careers in those fields.

• How do Haverford and Lafayette support diversity and inclusion on campus?

  Both Haverford and Lafayette are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive campus communities. They offer a variety of programs and resources to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including affinity groups, cultural centers, and diversity training initiatives. Both institutions are actively working to create environments where all students feel welcome and supported.