Cur non? Why not?
That’s the question that Lafayette College in Easton seeks to remember and instill in its students. Cur Non? was the lifelong philosophy of the college’s namesake, Marquis de Lafayette, and is embraced each day as students are challenged to become stronger thinkers and leaders in the world.
Lafayette College is located on a beautiful 340-acre campus overlooking downtown Easton and the Delaware River, about one hour away from both New York City and Philadelphia. It was founded in 1826 by the residents of Easton and named for the Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette. The campus aims to serve as a living laboratory for environmental sustainability with green buildings, a community garden and robust food loop.
Quick facts:
- Founded: 1826
- Number of students: 2,610 under-graduate students, drawn from 46 U.S. states and territories, as well as 53 countries.
- Popular majors: Engineering; Biological/Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Visual and Performing Arts
- Student to faculty ratio: 10.5 to 1
- Athletics: Lafayette Leopards represent 23 NCAA Division I varsity athletic teams that compete in the Patriot League
The college offers areas of study across humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and engineering. Bachelor of arts degrees are offered in 37 fields and bachelor of science degrees in 14 fields, including 5 in engineering. The low student to faculty ratio allows for intimate settings in classes and labs, plus it creates opportunities for students to achieve a strong sense of community and connectedness. In addition to the in-class activities, there are more than 250 groups, clubs and sports to choose from.
Lafayette has been recognized by the ASEE for its efforts and impact on diversity and inclusion. In addition to the Diversity Recognition Program, Lafayette College ranked among the top 20 schools in percentage of bachelor’s degrees awarded to women. Nearly 40% of engineering students are women and about 25% of engineering students are from under-represented groups.
The athletic program at Lafayette is famously known for its part in “The Rivalry” with nearby Lehigh University. Since 1884, the two football teams have met 155 times, making it the most played rivalry in the history of college football.
Lafayette College is a member of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) along with Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lehigh University, Moravian College, and Muhlenberg College. Through this unique partnership, students and faculty from each institution can take select classes at the other member institutions.