Admissions

Who is eligible to apply as an international freshman candidate?

Any student who is currently enrolled in his or her final year of secondary school (high school), or any student who has completed secondary school but has not begun studies at the university level is eligible to apply to Lafayette as a freshman candidate.

Are international transfer applications accepted?

University-level students must apply as transfer candidates.  However, financial aid is available for first year international applicants only and NOT for international transfer applicants.

Can international students apply for Early Decision?

Yes, international students may apply as Early Decision candidates. Students should only apply Early Decision if they are absolutely sure that Lafayette is their first choice as this is a binding agreement. A student accepted Early Decision must withdraw his or her applications to other colleges and universities and enroll at Lafayette.

Are international students admitted regardless of their financial need?

No. Lafayette does take into account an international family’s ability to pay when making admission decisions. However, the College does accept a number of financially needy students and will meet the demonstrated need of all admitted students, up to and including full tuition, room and board, books, and supplies.

Is there financial aid available for non-US citizens?

Yes, Lafayette offers need-based aid to non-US citizens who are first-year applicants. The selection process is most competitive. Generally, Lafayette receives over 1,000 applications from non-US citizens seeking financial assistance. Every foreign student seeking aid must submit the PROFILE form. The demonstrated need of an individual candidate is calculated from the PROFILE. While the PROFILE is preferred, Lafayette will also accept the International Student Financial Aid Application.

Are international students eligible for merit-based scholarships?

Yes, a limited number of Marquis Scholarships ($20,000 per year) are awarded to the most qualified first-year international applicants.

Is there need-based aid available for international transfer students?

Unfortunately, there is no financial aid for international transfer students; it is available to international first year applicants only.

What is the academic profile of funded international students?

Students selected for admission and funding have completed the most rigorous secondary school curriculum available. The students have secured excellent marks/grades, have (or will have) graduated among the top of their classes, and have excelled on their examinations.

When will international students be notified of their admissions decisions?

International decisions are generally finalized in late February, so students may receive their decision letters by April 1. Students who are accepted will also receive notice of their acceptance via e-mail.

Will I receive credit for my courses?

Lafayette does offer advanced credit for a number of different international curricula.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Credit for 5s or better on the Higher Level exams. Full diploma candidates are reviewed on an individual basis for advanced standing.
• British GCE A-level: Students are evaluated on an individual basis, but often credit is given for As and Bs.
• French Baccalaureate: Case-by-case review upon enrollment.
• German Abitur: Case-by-case review upon enrollment.
• Advanced Placement (AP): Generally, credit for 4s or greater on most exams. Credit for 3s or greater on the Calculus BC exam.

Visit the Office of the Registrar web site.

I expect to have my Green Card by the time I enroll. DO I STILL HAVE TO APPLY AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

Until you actually receive your green card and a permanent resident registration number from the US government, you must apply for admission and aid as a foreign citizen.