Lafayette College vs Skidmore College

Lafayette College and Skidmore College, both esteemed liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Lafayette, situated in Easton, Pennsylvania, boasts a lower acceptance rate (29%) compared to Skidmore's (36%) in Saratoga Springs, New York. While Lafayette's student body is slightly larger, both colleges share a vibrant and diverse community. Engineering and Economics are popular majors at Lafayette, while Skidmore excels in the fields of Business and Psychology. With similar graduation rates, both colleges ensure their students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lafayette College	Skidmore College
Overview
Location	Easton, Pennsylvania	Saratoga Springs, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	90.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian

Admission
Acceptance rate	40.7%	30.6%
Application fees	$65	$65
SAT range	1300 - 1460	1270 - 1440
ACT range	30 - 33	29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	28.0%	26.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	11.0%
Total number of applicants	8,262	11,176
Total number of admissions given out	3,366	3,419
Admitted students who chose to enroll	782	719
Yield rate	23.2%	21.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not 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	$75,934	$68,266
Average net price	$38,754	$31,553
Tuition	$55,874	$59,064
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,308 Meal plan: $6,362	Room/dormitory: $9,500 Meal plan: $6,568
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	61.0% Average amount $34,668	59.0% Average amount $43,391
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $4,491	39.0% Average amount $4,879
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $23,831	4.0% Average amount $26,954

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,725 Men 51.2% Women 48.8%	2,686 Men 40.8% Women 59.2%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	82.6%	68.4%
International students	7.8%	9.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,510	2,188
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Mississippi Connecticut	New York Mississippi Connecticut New Jersey California

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Physical Science Visual & Performing Arts	Biological and Biomedical Sciences Social Sciences Visual & Performing Arts Education Foreign Languages and Literatures
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	8:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.9%	83.6%
Dropout rate	2.5%	3.5%
Transferred out	9.6%	12.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,572 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $67,188 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,235 Year 2: $43,575 Year 3: $56,001 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $43,062 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,416 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $40,557 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,722 Year 2: $32,563 Year 3: $39,834 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $18,677 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $37,589 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,585 Year 2: $20,682 Year 3: $30,907 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,359 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,085 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in academic focus between Lafayette College and Skidmore College?

Lafayette College is primarily an undergraduate institution with a strong emphasis on engineering alongside its liberal arts offerings. It's known for its unique blend of engineering and liberal arts programs. Skidmore College, on the other hand, is a liberal arts college with a strong reputation in the arts, particularly performing arts, and interdisciplinary studies. While both offer a broad liberal arts education, Lafayette leans towards STEM fields, especially engineering, while Skidmore excels in the arts and humanities.
How do the campus environments and locations compare?

Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a small city with a historic downtown. The campus is situated on a hill overlooking the city. Skidmore College is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, a vibrant city known for its arts scene, mineral springs, and horse racing. Saratoga Springs offers a more bustling and culturally rich environment compared to Easton.
What are the typical class sizes and student-faculty ratios at each college?

Both Lafayette and Skidmore pride themselves on small class sizes and close interaction between students and faculty. Lafayette has a student-faculty ratio of around 10:1, while Skidmore's is approximately 8:1. You can expect smaller class sizes at Skidmore, potentially leading to even more personalized attention from professors.
How do the costs of attendance compare between Lafayette and Skidmore?

The cost of attendance at both Lafayette and Skidmore is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive private colleges. However, the actual cost you pay will depend on your financial aid package. It's crucial to compare the financial aid offers from both institutions to determine which is more affordable for your family.
What are the strengths of each college's alumni network?

Both Lafayette and Skidmore have active and supportive alumni networks. Lafayette's alumni network is particularly strong in engineering and business, reflecting the college's strengths in these areas. Skidmore's alumni network is well-connected in the arts, media, and non-profit sectors. Consider which network aligns better with your career aspirations.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are popular at each school?

Lafayette offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Division I athletics, engineering clubs, and various student government and service organizations. Skidmore is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous theater groups, dance ensembles, and music organizations. Both colleges offer a diverse range of clubs and activities to suit various interests.
How do the dining options and campus housing compare?

Both Lafayette and Skidmore offer a variety of dining options, including traditional dining halls, cafes, and grab-and-go options. Campus housing is guaranteed for all four years at both institutions. You can expect comfortable and well-maintained residence halls at both colleges, with options for traditional dorms, suites, and apartment-style living.
What are the most popular majors at Lafayette College?

The most popular majors at Lafayette College include Engineering (various disciplines), Economics, Government & Law, Biology, and Psychology. This reflects Lafayette's strength in both STEM fields and the social sciences.
What are the most popular majors at Skidmore College?

The most popular majors at Skidmore College include Business, English, Psychology, Theater, and Political Science. This highlights Skidmore's focus on the liberal arts, with particular strength in the arts and humanities.
How does the emphasis on research opportunities differ between Lafayette and Skidmore?

Both Lafayette and Skidmore offer undergraduate research opportunities. Lafayette, with its engineering focus, provides more research opportunities in STEM fields. Skidmore emphasizes undergraduate research across all disciplines, including the arts and humanities, often involving close collaboration with faculty.
What are the career services like at Lafayette and Skidmore?

Both colleges offer comprehensive career services, including resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and internship placement assistance. Lafayette's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with opportunities in engineering and business. Skidmore's career services have strong ties to the arts, media, and non-profit sectors.
How do the athletic programs compare between Lafayette and Skidmore?

Lafayette College competes in NCAA Division I athletics (Patriot League), offering a more competitive athletic environment. Skidmore College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, which emphasizes the student-athlete experience and a balance between academics and athletics. If you're looking for a high level of athletic competition, Lafayette might be a better fit. If you prefer a more balanced approach, Skidmore could be a better choice.

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