Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lafayette’s definition of an “international” student?

For Lafayette College, international applicants are students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. A typical first-year class includes 35-50 such students. In addition to international students, Lafayette is the home of three other groups of students who have ties to the international community. They are the following: Americans overseas, permanent residents of the United States, and Americans holding dual citizenship. More than 75 countries are represented within the Lafayette student body. Lafayette’s international students bring to the College a unique perspective. The insights they share with classmates and faculty are an important part of a Lafayette education.

How large and how varied is the international population at Lafayette College?

On average, the international population stands at 5%. Currently, more than 75 countries are represented on Lafayette’s campus. With each new class, Lafayette attempts to diversify the nationalities represented in our community. Some of the larger representative groups currently include Bulgaria, India, Nepal, Turkey, China, and Zimbabwe.

What resources are available to International students at Lafayette?

Lafayette has both an on campus International Student Adviser and an active International Students Association.

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. University-level students must apply as transfer candidates. Unfortunately, Lafayette does not have financial aid available for international transfer students.

Is admission need-blind for foreign students?

No. However, if accepted, the College will meet your demonstrated need, up to and including, full tuition, room and board, books, and supplies.

What is required to make an application for admissions complete?

• All applicants must complete the Common Application, Lafayette’s supplement for International students, and have their secondary school provide official transcripts and recommendations.
• Applicants are required to submit official results of either the SAT or ACT. If circumstances prevent an applicant from taking either of these tests, he or she must contact the Office of Admission to explain the situation.
• Lafayette recommends but does not require official results of SAT Subject tests (formerly SAT II tests).
• All applicants must submit the $60.00 USD application fee. If a student is unable to pay this fee, he or she must provide a fee waiver from his or her college/guidance counselor, school head, or other school official. Students and parents may not request their own fee waiver.
• Students seeking financial aid must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and supporting documents.
• International students whose native language is not English or whose language of instruction for all four years of secondary school has not been English must submit TOEFL results. Students should score a minimum of 550 (paper based test), 213 (computer based test), or 80 (internet based test).

What are the application deadlines?

All application and financial aid materials must be postmarked by January 1.

Can international students apply for Early Decision (ED)?

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 ED must withdraw his or her applications to other colleges and universities and enroll at Lafayette.

Is there financial aid available for non-US citizens?

• Yes, Lafayette offers competitive, need-based aid to non-US citizens
• The aid process is most competitive. Generally, Lafayette receives over 700 applications from non-US citizens seeking financial assistance.
• Every foreign student seeking aid must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). The demonstrated need of an individual candidate is calculated from the ISFAA.

Are international students eligible for merit-based scholarships?

No, non-US citizens are not eligible for the Marquis and Trustee merit-based scholarships.

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

No, need-based aid is not available for international transfer students.

What is the academic profile of funded international students?

A student selected for admissions and funding has completed the most rigorous secondary school curriculum available. The student has secured excellent marks/grades, has (or will have) graduated among the top of his or her class, and has excelled on his or her 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 email.

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 (HL) exams. Full diploma candidates are reviewed on an individual basis for advanced standing.
• British GCE or 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 and 5s on most exams. Credit for 3s on the Calculus BC and music theory exams.

My parents and/or I have applied for a Green Card- Permanent Resident Status- and expect to receive it by the time I enroll as a first year student. 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.