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.

Scholar Spotlights

Laura Bochner '10
Studies Climate Change

Kelsey Boyd '11
Receives EPA Fellowship

Stephen Gadomski '11
Explores Health Care in London

Keara McCarthy '10
Interns at Cosmopolitan in NYC