Academic Scholarships

Lafayette recognizes its most outstanding applicants with a Marquis Scholarship. The award is named after the Marquis de Lafayette, who left behind the safety of his aristocratic life in France to fight for the cause of freedom in the American colonies. He made new connections, discovered a new world and made a major difference in the future of millions. This is a fitting name for Lafayette College's highest academic scholarship.

No special application is required to be considered for the Marquis Scholarship. Recipients are chosen from among the most competitive students in the admissions applicant pool.

Marquis Scholars receive an annual minimum award of $20,000 ($80,000 over four years). Financial aid applicants who are designated as Marquis Scholars, and whose financial need exceeds $20,000 will receive a scholarship up to demonstrated need minus a campus job of $2,000 and a loan depending on family income (no loan for incomes under $50,000; a $3,500 loan per year for incomes above $50,000). Other special benefits of the Marquis Scholars program include:

Students admitted under both Early Decision and Regular Decision are considered for this scholarship, and will be notified of their selection at the time of admission. We anticipate enrolling approximately 10 percent of the entering class as Marquis Scholars.

Who Qualifies?
Lafayette seeks students who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity in addition to their superior academic achievement. Curriculum, grades, rank in graduating class, and scores on standardized tests are all considered. Furthermore, the College looks for students creatively engaged in the life of their communities and who, like the College's namesake, have "made a difference" through significant accomplishments in school and community.

Scholarship recipients are typically at the top of their graduating class in the most demanding curriculum available, with SAT scores in the mid-1300s or better (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT Composite score of 31 or better.

All students who apply to Lafayette are considered for the program, based on the above criteria. The scholarship is renewed each year at Lafayette provided the student maintains a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. Students who are also requesting need-based financial aid must file the CSS Profile and other documents by the deadlines.

Interim Study Abroad
The academic calendar consists of two 15-week terms, separated by a month-long break called interim that begins in late December and lasts through most of January. Lafayette offers a wide variety of special, intensive courses on campus and abroad during the January interim session and in May. Last year, nearly 160 students took nine courses on four continents.

As a benefit of the Marquis Scholars’ program, the College awards a $4,000 scholarship for one faculty-led, interim-abroad course for each Marquis Scholar.

Athletic Scholarships
Lafayette offers athletic scholarships in four sports: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s field hockey. Recipients are selected based on athletic talent as well as the ability to meet Lafayette’s rigorous academic standards. Compliance with NCAA regulations and continued participation in the sport are required. Scholarship recipients are required to file the FAFSA each year in order to determine and maximize federal and/or state eligibility.

Military Scholarships
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships are available for the full cost of tuition and fees plus a book allowance and a stipend. These are awarded on merit and require a military obligation. Four-year and three-year advance designee scholarships are awarded from September through May. High school seniors can apply for the scholarships as early as June before their senior year of high school. The application deadline is Jan. 10. Applications may be obtained by calling (800) 750-7682 or visiting www.armyrotc.com. Two-year and three-year scholarships also are awarded to students already enrolled at Lafayette. For more information on the military science program, call (610) 758-3275.