Lafayette College vs Gettysburg College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Lafayette College and Gettysburg College?

  Lafayette College, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, is primarily an undergraduate institution with a strong focus on engineering alongside its liberal arts offerings. Gettysburg College, situated in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a liberal arts college known for its Civil War history connection and strong humanities programs. Lafayette has a slightly larger student body and a more pronounced emphasis on STEM fields, while Gettysburg is more traditionally liberal arts focused.

• How do the academic programs at Lafayette and Gettysburg compare?

  Lafayette excels in engineering, natural sciences, and economics, offering ABET-accredited engineering programs. Gettysburg is renowned for its history, political science, English, and environmental studies programs. While both offer a range of liberal arts disciplines, Lafayette's strength lies in its technical and quantitative fields, whereas Gettysburg's strength is in the humanities and social sciences.

• What is the campus environment like at each college?

  Lafayette's campus is located in a small city, offering a blend of college town atmosphere and urban access. Gettysburg's campus is situated in a historic town, providing a more immersive and historically rich environment. Both campuses are beautiful and walkable, but Gettysburg's connection to the Civil War battlefield gives it a unique character.

• How do the costs of attending Lafayette and Gettysburg compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Lafayette and Gettysburg is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive private liberal arts colleges. However, both institutions offer financial aid packages, and the net cost can vary significantly depending on individual family circumstances. It's best to compare financial aid offers from both colleges to determine the most affordable option.

• What are the career opportunities like after graduating from Lafayette versus Gettysburg?

  Lafayette graduates often find opportunities in engineering, finance, and technology sectors, benefiting from the college's strong alumni network in these fields. Gettysburg graduates pursue careers in government, non-profit organizations, education, and business, leveraging the college's strong liberal arts foundation and internship opportunities. Both colleges have career services offices to assist students with job placement.

• What is the student life like at Lafayette and Gettysburg?

  Both colleges offer a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Lafayette has a strong Greek life presence, while Gettysburg offers a wider range of extracurricular activities focused on civic engagement and community service. Both colleges have active student governments and numerous opportunities for leadership development.

• How do the athletic programs compare between Lafayette and Gettysburg?

  Lafayette competes in NCAA Division I athletics (Patriot League), offering a higher level of competition and greater visibility. Gettysburg competes in NCAA Division III athletics (Centennial Conference), emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. Both colleges offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.

• What are the class sizes and student-faculty ratios at each college?

  Both Lafayette and Gettysburg pride themselves on small class sizes and low student-faculty ratios, fostering close interactions between students and professors. You can expect similar learning environments at both institutions, with opportunities for personalized attention and mentorship.

• Which college is better for students interested in engineering?

  Lafayette College is generally considered the better choice for students specifically interested in engineering. It offers ABET-accredited engineering programs and a stronger focus on STEM fields compared to Gettysburg.

• Which college is better for students interested in history or political science?

  Gettysburg College is often preferred by students interested in history and political science, particularly American history. Its location near the Gettysburg battlefield provides unique learning opportunities, and its history and political science departments are highly regarded.

• Do both colleges offer study abroad programs?

  Yes, both Lafayette and Gettysburg offer a variety of study abroad programs, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspectives. The specific programs available may differ, so it's best to explore the study abroad websites of each college for more details.

• What are the admission requirements for Lafayette and Gettysburg?

  Both Lafayette and Gettysburg are highly selective institutions with rigorous admission requirements. They typically require strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. Demonstrated interest in the college and extracurricular involvement are also important factors.