Lafayette College and Lehigh University are two highly respected private institutions in Pennsylvania. Both schools offer a rigorous academic experience and are known for their strong faculty and research programs. However, there are also some key differences between the two schools that prospective students should be aware of.
Academics
Lafayette College and Lehigh University both offer a wide range of academic programs. Lafayette is known for its strong liberal arts program, while Lehigh is known for its engineering and business programs.
Lafayette College
- Strengths: Liberal arts, government and law, psychology
- Weaknesses: Limited engineering and business programs
Lehigh University
- Strengths: Engineering, business, computer science
- Weaknesses: Limited liberal arts programs
Faculty
Both Lafayette College and Lehigh University have highly qualified faculty members. However, there are some differences in the faculty-to-student ratios at the two schools.
Lafayette College
- Faculty-to-student ratio: 10:1
- Average class size: 20 students
Lehigh University
- Faculty-to-student ratio: 12:1
- Average class size: 25 students
Research
Both Lafayette College and Lehigh University are engaged in research. However, Lehigh has a stronger research profile than Lafayette.
Lafayette College
- Research expenditures: $15 million per year
- Number of research centers: 10
Lehigh University
- Research expenditures: $70 million per year
- Number of research centers: 20
Student Life
Lafayette College and Lehigh University both have vibrant student life programs. However, there are some differences in the social scenes at the two schools.
Lafayette College
- More traditional college experience
- Smaller student body
- More residential students (75%)
Lehigh University
- More urban campus
- Larger student body
- More commuter students (50%)
Cost
Lafayette College and Lehigh University are both expensive schools. However, there are some differences in the cost of attendance at the two schools.
Lafayette College
- Tuition: $50,000 per year
- Room and board: $15,000 per year
Lehigh University
- Tuition: $55,000 per year
- Room and board: $17,000 per year
Which School is Right for You?
Lafayette College and Lehigh University are both excellent schools. The best way to decide which school is right for you is to visit both campuses and talk to students and faculty. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are your academic interests?
- What kind of campus environment do you want?
- How much can you afford to spend on college?
Once you have answered these questions, you will be better able to decide which school is the best fit for you.
Lafayette College vs. Lehigh University: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of Lafayette College and Lehigh University:
| Characteristic | Lafayette College | Lehigh University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Easton, Pennsylvania | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Type | Private | Private |
| Founded | 1826 | 1865 |
| Enrollment | 2,500 | 7,000 |
| Faculty-to-student ratio | 10:1 | 12:1 |
| Average class size | 20 students | 25 students |
| Research expenditures | $15 million per year | $70 million per year |
| Tuition | $50,000 per year | $55,000 per year |
| Room and board | $15,000 per year | $17,000 per year |
Lafayette College vs. Lehigh University: Key Differences
The following table highlights the key differences between Lafayette College and Lehigh University:
| Characteristic | Lafayette College | Lehigh University |
|---|---|---|
| Academic focus | Liberal arts | Engineering and business |
| Faculty-to-student ratio | 10:1 | 12:1 |
| Research profile | Weaker | Stronger |
| Student life | More traditional | More urban |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Lafayette College vs. Lehigh University: Which School is Better?
There is no easy answer to the question of which school is better, Lafayette College or Lehigh University. Both schools have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best school for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Lafayette College is a good choice for students who are looking for a strong liberal arts education in a small, residential community. Lehigh University is a good choice for students who are looking for a strong engineering or business program in a larger, more urban environment.