Who is eligible to apply as an international first-year student candidate?
Any student 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.
Can international students apply for Early Decision?
Yes. 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 all applications to other colleges and universities and enroll at Lafayette.
I expect to have my green card by the time I enroll. Do I still have to apply as an international student?
Yes. Until you actually receive your green card and a permanent resident registration number from the U.S. government, you must apply for admission and aid as a foreign citizen.
What testing is required for international students?
An English proficiency test such as the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo is required for most international students. If English is your first language or you have been studying in an English-language curriculum for at least three years, you may have your language proficiency requirement waived by sending a request to admissions@lafayette.edu.
Lafayette College is test optional for the SAT and ACT.
If I take the SAT in January, will these scores be considered in time for review of my application for admission?
We do not recommend students take the January SAT given the receipt of the test results will occur after the application deadline. If a student does take the January SAT, we ask them to rush the results to us as soon as they are received so we can do our best to take them into consideration in the admission committee review selection process. Lafayette College is test optional for the SAT and ACT.
Are there other documents that I will need to provide if admitted?
If you choose to enroll at Lafayette, we will require a statement of financial resources issued by your bank to issue an I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status in the U.S.
How can I strengthen my application to Lafayette?
The Office of Admissions takes demonstrated interest into account when we make admissions decisions. Demonstrated interest can be shown in a variety of ways, including attending virtual events and virtual interviews. If you happen to be near Easton, PA, we are happy to welcome you to campus for a registered event. Admissions counselors also travel around the globe and visit select high schools and communities. If you join our contact list, we send direct emails to you concerning our events in your area.
Can international students receive merit aid?
International students are eligible to receive merit scholarships. All merit decisions are made by the Admissions Office. Students are not required to apply for such merit awards. The admission committee makes nominations and selected students will be notified at the time of their admission decision.
When are international students notified of their admissions decisions?
Students can access their Lafayette portals to receive their final admissions decision. An email is sent to let students know when the decision will be posted in their portals. Generally, Early Decision I is released beginning mid-December. Early Decision II is generally released beginning mid-February. Regular Decision applicants will learn of decisions by the end of March.
How can I check the status of my Admissions Application?
In order to check on the status of your application after submission, visit the Application Status Page and view the checklist.
Are international transfer applications accepted?
Yes. University-level students can only apply as transfer candidates. However, financial aid is available for first-year international applicants only.
Do you offer financial aid to international transfer students?
We do not offer merit or need-based financial aid to international transfer students.
What documents to I need to submit to be considered for financial aid funding?
If you are applying for need-based financial aid please submit the CSS Profile form online. If additional documentation is necessary after your Profile is reviewed, the financial aid office will contact you directly. The Noncustodial Profile must also be completed by any noncustodial parent. We only accept the CSS Profile.
Do you accept the ISFAA in place of the CSS Profile?
We do not accept the ISFAA. International students seeking need-based financial aid must submit the CSS Profile . This form is done online. The application of an international student who does not submit a CSS profile, but marks “yes” to seeking financial aid will be read with the assumption that the student has no means to pay any costs associated with attending Lafayette College.
Do you provide CSS Profile waivers?
Lafayette does not provide CSS Profile fee waivers.
Are international students admitted regardless of their financial need?
Financial need does impact admissions decisions. Financial Aid is awarded on an extremely competitive basis. The admission committee may take into consideration financial need when rendering an admission decision.We consider an international family’s ability to pay when making admission decisions. However, we do 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.
Lafayette is one of 70 schools in the nation that guarantees to meet 100% of admitted and enrolled students’ demonstrated financial need. For this purpose, demonstrated financial need is a calculated dollar amount based on information the international student provides on the CSS Profile. Meeting demonstrated need does not mean that all expenses will be covered by financial aid, nor does it mean that summer or interim expenses will be covered by financial aid. These costs are typically the responsibility of the student and student’s family.
What happens if I don’t qualify for financial aid my first year?
We do not offer financial aid to international students who do not qualify in their first year due to budget constraints.
What type of financial aid award package will I receive?
It is important to know that if admitted, Lafayette meets the full demonstrated need based upon the CSS Profile. The award package typically contains a combination of grant, scholarship, loan, and job.
Is financial aid guaranteed for four years?
Need-based aid is not a guarantee as it is based on your financial need each year. Your file will be reviewed annually by an aid director who will consider all information included in your application, as well as our costs for the year.
How will financial aid be determined after the first year?
Lafayette is committed to assisting you with your educational costs for the full four years. You must continue to make satisfactory academic progress, complete the CSS Profile by the established deadlines, and continue to demonstrate need.
Will my aid change after the first year?
Financial need is derived on the same basis as your original award. Each year’s award will reflect any increases in Lafayette costs, and any significant changes in family circumstances (i.e., job change, number of siblings in college, etc.). Your award may increase or decrease based on these family circumstances.
How can I check the status of my Financial Aid Application?
In order to check on the status of your application after submission, visit the Application Status Page and click on the Financial Aid tab to view the checklist.
Can international students work on campus?
International students are eligible to work on campus. Hours are typically limited during the academic year to 10-12 hours per week.
Will I receive credit for my courses?
Yes, we offer advanced credit for a number of different international curricula.
Do you offer ESL classes?
No, we do not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes; however, we do offer language learning support through the English for Academic Purpose Center.
What support do international students on Lafayette’s campus receive?
In addition to the tutoring, academic, counseling and career services available to all students, international students can access English for Academic Purpose Center. The International Student Advising Team guides students through orientation, workshops and events, and provides a welcoming space on campus for students to share their cultural identities.
If you have any further questions regarding international student admissions, please contact admissions@lafayette.edu.