"Lafayette has built a strong reputation in the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering because of its focus on the student. This unusual combination of strengths continues to define Lafayette's special role among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation.

"Lafayette has broken away from the pack, and its national reputation has begun to truly represent the college's uniqueness in the academic world.

"Beautiful architecture, perfectly manicured grounds, cutting edge technology and the most inspiring and energetic students and faculty make Lafayette one of the most desirable liberal arts colleges in the United States."

—The Barron's Guide to the Most Competitive Colleges

"Geographically close to Lehigh, but closer kin to Colgate and Hamilton. Does offer engineering, as do Swarthmore, Trinity (CT), and Union. Attracts relatively conservative, athletic students who work hard and play hard. A recent spate of building shows Lafayette's financial strength.

"With the number of applicants going up each year, and its acceptance rate steadily dropping, Lafayette is taking its pick from among the nation's brightest students. With less than two dozen students in most classes, this small liberal arts college boasts an intimate academic milieu that draws praise from students. One of the few liberal arts schools of its size to offer engineering, Lafayette has also won respect for its technical and scientific programs.

"On this small, leafy campus something great is happening, says an international studies major. "I have met professors who truly desire that their students learn and experience success," the senior says. "I have met students who gladly give of their time to help their peers. And I have met staff who serve students cheerfully and selflessly." Lafayette students know they're "at the center" of the college, getting more attention than they'd receive at a larger school. But that doesn't mean Lafayette "spoon-feeds" its students, a senior says. If you want help you need to seek it out," the psychology major says. "Once you do, though, it's all over the place!"

—The Fiske Guide to College 2004

"Lafayette's effort follows a strategy that some groundbreaking professors have used with success. These innovators have harnessed the power of Web sites, listservs (facilities that allow participation in electronic discussions), and other computer technology to let students play a more active classroom role. Some teachers post course information and prod students to debate online, freeing cherished class time for a richer exploration of the material."

—The Philadelphia Inquirer

"The (financial) squeeze has barely ruffled such elite colleges as Swarthmore, Haverford and Lafayette, which have national reputations and rich endowments. If anything, these highly selective schools have grown stronger in recent years."

—The Philadelphia Inquirer

"With an engineering program that is top notch for a small liberal arts school, opportunities for research usually available at larger schools, and great accessibility to professors, Lafayette presents a superlative academic package to those interested in engineering, business, pre-law, and pre-medical studies.

"Students warn that Lafayette's academic standards are very high. The courses are extremely challenging but rewarding as well. The topics are covered in detail, and the examinations require you to know the material in detail and be able to apply what you have learned, not just memorize it.

"The intimate atmosphere helps ease the burden of Lafayette's workload; as one student puts it, "The size is a big strength. I was amazed at the availability and enthusiasm of my professors and have had a fulfilling and challenging academic life."

—The Best 351 Colleges 2004

"Lafayette is classified as one of the most academically competitive colleges and is committed to providing the best possible undergraduate education in the liberal arts, sciences, and engineering for men and women who can benefit from the Lafayette experience."

— Peterson’s 4 Year Colleges 2004

"Once in a while we all get lucky and catch a cultural institution taking an enormous leap forward and landing right. It's a magical moment.

"One such occasion was the announcement made in April at the dedication of Lafayette College's first off-campus building by its president, Arthur Rothkopf. He declared that the existence of the college's new Williams Visual Arts Building in a rehabbed industrial/commercial structure "underscores Lafayette's commitment to the revitalization of Easton's downtown business core.

What this means is that the new high-tech studio and gallery complex on North Third Street at the base of College Hill will serve not only Lafayette's own students but also the art community of Easton.

And this happy event jibes quite well with the town fathers' revitalization philosophy, which places strong emphasis on showcasing the city's history, renewing its once-thriving main street business district, fixing up old downtown buildings large and small, and seeing to it (they caught this fever in the 1980s) that Easton emerges as a major "arts colony" in the future.

Lafayette's new 24,000-square-foot facility has already begun its promised community-based teaching program being conducted by Lafayette faculty for high school students. It also has a 2,400-square-foot art gallery that will feature exhibits by artists from Easton and the vicinity."

— The Philadelphia Inquirer