Lafayette College vs Wesleyan University

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  Lafayette College offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on engineering and pre-professional programs, particularly in business and finance. Wesleyan University emphasizes a more interdisciplinary and student-driven curriculum, allowing for greater flexibility in course selection and independent study. Wesleyan is also known for its strong programs in the arts and humanities.

• How do the campus environments of Lafayette and Wesleyan compare?

  Lafayette College has a more traditional, close-knit campus environment located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a smaller city. Wesleyan University is situated in Middletown, Connecticut, and has a more expansive campus with a vibrant, politically active, and diverse student body. Wesleyan's campus culture is often described as more progressive and artistic.

• What is the student body like at each institution?

  Lafayette College has a student body that is generally considered to be more focused on career preparation and traditional college experiences. Wesleyan University attracts a more diverse and intellectually curious student body, with a strong emphasis on social justice and creative expression. Both schools have a good mix of students from different backgrounds.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both Lafayette College and Wesleyan University. Financial aid packages are available at both institutions, and the net cost for students will vary based on individual circumstances. It's recommended to check the financial aid websites of both schools for the most up-to-date information.

• What are the strengths of the faculty at each college?

  Both Lafayette and Wesleyan boast highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Lafayette's faculty are known for their commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentoring, with a good balance of research and teaching. Wesleyan's faculty are renowned scholars and artists, often at the forefront of their fields, and are committed to fostering critical thinking and independent research.

• How do the career services and alumni networks differ?

  Both colleges offer robust career services. Lafayette College's career services are particularly strong in supporting students interested in finance, engineering, and other pre-professional fields, leveraging its strong alumni network in those areas. Wesleyan's career services provide support for a wider range of career paths, including the arts, media, and social sciences, and its alumni network is known for its strong connections in these fields.

• What are the opportunities for undergraduate research?

  Both Lafayette and Wesleyan offer significant opportunities for undergraduate research. Lafayette emphasizes research opportunities integrated into the curriculum and offers funding for student research projects. Wesleyan has a strong emphasis on independent research, with numerous research centers and opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on cutting-edge projects.

• How do the social scenes and extracurricular activities compare?

  Lafayette College offers a more traditional social scene with a focus on campus events, Greek life, and athletics. Wesleyan University has a more diverse and less structured social scene, with a strong emphasis on student-run organizations, arts performances, and political activism. Both schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, but the focus and style differ.

• Which college is better for students interested in engineering?

  Lafayette College has a well-regarded engineering program with a strong focus on practical application and career preparation. While Wesleyan does not have a dedicated engineering program, it offers strong programs in related fields like computer science and physics. Therefore, Lafayette is generally the better choice for students specifically seeking an engineering degree.

• Which college is better for students interested in the arts?

  Wesleyan University is widely recognized for its exceptional arts programs, including music, theater, dance, film, and creative writing. Lafayette College also offers arts programs, but Wesleyan's are generally considered to be more extensive and prestigious, with greater opportunities for performance and creative exploration.