Hamilton College vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with Lafayette College in Easton, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lafayette College is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (2,775 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Lafayette College is in Easton, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lafayette College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hamilton College 9:1; Lafayette College 10:1.

Hamilton College vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College or Lafayette College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Hamilton College than Lafayette College ($28,719 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 11.9% lower than at Lafayette College ($17,510 vs. $19,866).
• Hamilton College is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lafayette College (about $3,562 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Hamilton College than at Lafayette College (about $3,562 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $65,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lafayette College than at Hamilton College (61% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Lafayette College students ($55,511 vs. $44,707).

Hamilton College vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College or Lafayette College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lafayette College and Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 70 points higher than at Lafayette College (1430).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Lafayette College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Lafayette College has a higher acceptance rate (31.4%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Hamilton College vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College and Lafayette College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Lafayette College's (88%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Hamilton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $79,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $10,240 lower median loan debt than Lafayette College graduates ($15,760 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lafayette College graduates ($162 vs. $268).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hamilton College students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 90%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.