Union College and Lafayette College are both selective, private liberal arts schools that combine a broad arts and sciences curriculum with engineering programs. Union was founded in 1795 in Schenectady, New York, and Lafayette was established in 1826 in Easton, Pennsylvania. Each offers rigorous academics in a residential setting. This essay compares their undergraduate programs across key areas: academics, student outcomes, financial aid, campus culture, extracurricular activities, location, and return on investment. Both colleges have many strengths, such as intimate learning environments, strong student-faculty engagement, and successful alumni, but they also show distinct characteristics.


‍Academics

‍Academic Programs and Curriculum: Both Union and Lafayette are well-known for their strong liberal arts programs, which include engineering and science courses. Union College enrolls about 2,000 undergraduates and offers a variety of majors, including interdisciplinary programs and an ABET-accredited engineering curriculum (Union College, 2025). Lafayette is a bit larger, with around 2,700 undergraduates. It grants Bachelor of Arts degrees in 34 fields and Bachelor of Science degrees in 15 fields, including five in engineering (Lafayette College, 2025). This mix of liberal arts and engineering defines both schools' academic identities, equipping students with technical skills and broad intellectual perspectives. Each college is selective in admissions, reflecting its strong academic standing. For instance, Lafayette's acceptance rate has been about 31 to 34% in recent years, while Union's is around 44%. This shows that both schools attract competitive applicants (Research.com, 2026b; Scholarships360, 2025). Some observers even consider Lafayette a “Hidden Ivy,” highlighting its academic prestige (Drillinger, 2025). Union also consistently ranks among the nation's top liberal arts colleges (Union College, 2025).

Faculty and Class Size: The classroom experience at both institutions is close and student-focused. Union has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 with 219 faculty members, 97% of whom hold a doctorate or the highest degree. This ensures students have easy access to professors (Union College, 2025). Lafayette has a similar ratio of 10:1, with 247 full-time faculty, 98% of whom have terminal degrees (Lafayette College, 2025). Classes are generally small. At Union, introductory classes average 24 students, while upper-level classes have about 14, encouraging active discussion and personalized instruction (Union College, 2025). Lafayette reports average class sizes of roughly 18 to 20 students, emphasizing small-group learning and faculty engagement (Lafayette College, 2025). At both colleges, professors teach courses instead of teaching assistants, and faculty mentorship is an important part of the academic culture.

Curriculum and Special Programs: A significant difference in academic structure is Union's unique trimester system. Union follows three 10-week terms and has a long winter break. This allows students to handle lighter course loads each term and pursue internships or travel during the extended winter break (Union College, 2025). In contrast, Lafayette uses a traditional semester system (fall and spring semesters) with additional interim or summer options, typical for liberal arts colleges. Both institutions encourage interdisciplinary study. Union provides many interdisciplinary and interdepartmental programs, allowing students to combine fields or create custom majors (Union College, 2025). Similarly, Lafayette promotes academic breadth and depth, requiring a common core and offering specialized programs like honors research and interdisciplinary minors. Each college also has unique accelerated or joint-degree options. For example, Union offers an 8-year Leadership in Medicine program (B.S. + M.S. + M.D.) and a 3+3 law program with Albany Law, enabling students to earn multiple degrees efficiently (Union College, 2025). Lafayette has its EXCEL Scholars program, where students work as paid research assistants to faculty, along with other honors thesis opportunities that closely guide undergraduates in advanced research (Lafayette College, 2025).

Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning: Both Union and Lafayette strongly emphasize learning through experience. At Union, 80% of students engage in faculty-mentored undergraduate research, a high number that shows Union's commitment to scholarly work outside the classroom (Union College, 2025). Lafayette also promotes research collaboration, though it doesn't publish a specific percentage. Programs like the EXCEL Scholars and various lab and field research opportunities suggest that many Lafayette students partake in research alongside faculty (Lafayette College, 2025). Internship participation is also common; about 85% of Union students complete at least one internship during their college years (Union College, 2025). Lafayette students likewise benefit from internships, career treks, and externships available through its Gateway career center, though an exact figure isn't provided. Study abroad is another key aspect of the academic experience. Approximately 60% of Union students study abroad during their undergraduate years (Union College, 2025), while Lafayette offers over 200 study abroad programs in 57 countries, allowing many students to gain global experience (Lafayette College, 2025). These figures demonstrate both colleges' focus on experiential learning, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations through research, internships, and international study.


‍Student Outcomes

‍Retention and Graduation Rates: Both Union and Lafayette show strong student outcomes based on their retention and graduation statistics. Freshman retention, which is the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year, is very high at both schools. This shows student satisfaction and academic support. Lafayette’s first-year retention rate is around 92%, while Union’s is about 89%. Both are well above national averages for four-year colleges (Research.com, 2026b; Research.com, 2026a). These figures indicate that most students at each school continue after the first year, suggesting they are finding the academic and social support they need. Graduation rates are also impressive. At Lafayette, 80% of students graduate within four years, and 88% graduate within six years, measuring up to 150% of program time (Research.com, 2026b). This places Lafayette in roughly the top 10% of colleges nationwide for on-time graduation. Union’s four-year graduation rate is slightly lower at about 75%, with a six-year graduation rate of 85% (Research.com, 2026a). Although a bit behind Lafayette, Union’s graduation rates still rank it among the top ten percent of institutions and show that most students complete their degrees. The small gap can be partly attributed to Union’s trimester schedule and some engineering programs that may take slightly longer. Overall, both schools are committed to helping students graduate on time. Remarkably, graduation outcomes are strong across different student demographics at both colleges, reflecting effective academic advising and student support services.

Career Placement and Graduate Education: Union College and Lafayette College prepare students for success after graduation, evident in career placement and alumni achievements. While this essay does not publish exact placement rates within six months of graduation, both institutions report high levels of success. For instance, Union highlights that its alumni achieve early career success and leadership roles, with nearly 80% of surveyed alumni stating their Union education helped launch their careers (Union College, 2025). Lafayette also notes that its graduates secure jobs with many top companies, including major firms like Facebook, Google, and ExxonMobil, and enter prestigious graduate programs. This supports the value of a Lafayette degree (Drillinger, 2025). Each school’s career services provide strong support, including on-campus recruiting and job fairs. Both have active alumni networks that assist new graduates.

One way to compare post-graduate success is by looking at alumni honors and notable positions. Here, Union has a particularly impressive list of alumni achievements. Union College’s alumni include a President of the United States (Chester A. Arthur, Class of 1848), Nobel Prize winners, a MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, an Olympic gold medalist, and many leaders in various fields (Union College, 2025). The college counts at least 13 state governors, seven Cabinet secretaries, and numerous judges and college presidents among its graduates (Union College, 2025). This legacy of alumni distinction reflects Union’s long history and opportunities for leadership development. Lafayette College also has accomplished alumni in government, business, science, and the arts, though, overall, its alumni profile is somewhat less prominent. Lafayette graduates have made significant contributions in engineering and entrepreneurship, including CEOs, media figures, and public servants. For instance, Lafayette alumnus Chip Bergh became CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., with others taking on roles as U.S. ambassadors and innovators in various industries. While Lafayette’s alumni achievements are not as thoroughly compiled in a single source, the success of its graduates in securing positions at top organizations shows the strength of the college’s outcomes (Drillinger, 2025).

Graduate and Professional School: Both Union and Lafayette students are well-prepared for advanced study. Each college has many graduates who pursue advanced degrees in law, medicine, engineering, and academia. Union’s interdisciplinary foundation and research opportunities help many students gain admission to top graduate programs. For example, Union has produced scholars attending universities such as Columbia, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania for graduate and professional studies (Union College, 2025). Lafayette also focuses on preparing students for graduate education, with many graduates earning degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford for master’s and doctoral programs. The strong four-year graduation rates and rigorous undergraduate training at both schools support their graduates’ readiness for graduate school.

Student Satisfaction: Another sign of outcomes is student satisfaction and well-being. Surveys like the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) indicate that students at both institutions feel supported. In a recent NSSE result, 89% of first-year Lafayette students reported significant support for academic success, and a majority felt socially connected on campus (Lafayette College, 2025). Union students also report high satisfaction; Union’s alumni indicate a career satisfaction rate above 85%, which is better than typical among college graduates (Union College, 2025). These qualitative outcomes complement the quantitative metrics, presenting a picture of environments where students thrive and feel their investment is worthwhile.



‍Financial Aid and Affordability

‍A key part of undergraduate programs is affordability. Both Union and Lafayette work hard to make education accessible by offering generous financial aid. 

Tuition and Costs: The price tag at these private colleges is high, around $70,000 to $80,000 per year for tuition, fees, room, and board combined. However, both schools help reduce these costs with need-based aid and scholarships (Scholarships360, 2025). 

Need-Based Financial Aid: Lafayette College has a strong need-based aid program and stands out with its 100% need-met guarantee. This means Lafayette promises to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students (Scholarships360, 2025). Notably, Lafayette does not require loans for students with financial need. Its aid packages replace federal loans with grants, allowing many students to graduate with little or no debt (Scholarships360, 2025). This approach is supported by Lafayette’s substantial endowment, which exceeds $1 billion, designated for undergraduates, making its aid among the most generous in the country. The average need-based aid package at Lafayette is approximately $55,000 to $57,000 per year, lowering the average net cost for aided students to around $30,000 or less (BigFuture College Board, as cited in Scholarships360, 2025). More than half of Lafayette students receive some form of grant or scholarship assistance. Only a small percentage of students take out federal loans, thanks to the no-loan initiative (Scholarships360, 2025).

Union College also shows a strong commitment to affordability, though with a slightly different approach. Union allocates about $80 million in institutional grants and scholarships each year for its roughly 2,000 students (Union College, 2025). Over 60% of Union undergraduates receive need-based scholarship aid from the college, and Union guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need for admitted students in good standing. Union’s average need-based financial aid award is over $55,000 per year, similar to Lafayette’s, significantly cutting costs for middle- and low-income families (Union College, 2025). While Union includes loans in some aid packages, it has launched special programs to help families who may not qualify for standard need-based aid. Particularly, Union’s Making U Possible grants provide an extra $20,000 to $40,000 in aid to many middle-income families who fall just outside typical need criteria, effectively closing the gap and reducing the need for loans (Union College, 2025). Additionally, Union College offers merit scholarships to recognize academic talent: over 25% of students earn merit awards ranging from $10,000 to $46,000 per year, which can be renewed for four years (Union College, 2025). Lafayette focuses more on need-based aid, although it also offers some merit scholarships. Since it meets need and attracts high academic caliber students, merit awards are less central there. Both colleges participate in federal and state aid programs, such as Pell Grants and state grants, and they offer financial aid counseling to help families make the most of available resources. 

Affordability and Student Debt: The result of these aid policies is that most students at both Union and Lafayette pay much less than the full sticker price. The combination of grants and scholarships greatly reduces the average student debt at graduation. By not requiring loans, Lafayette allows many students, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, to graduate debt-free or with minimal loans. Only about 8% of Lafayette students receive Pell Grants, a common indicator of low income. This shows that the college attracts many middle- and high-income students, but those in need receive strong support (Scholarships360, 2025). Union graduates also manage their debt levels well. Union reports a very low student loan default rate, and students often borrow less than the national average due to the substantial aid. Ultimately, both institutions understand that return on investment improves when students are not overwhelmed by debt. They have allocated resources to make attendance financially manageable for a wide range of families.
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‍Campus Culture and Residential Life

‍Residential Community: Union College and Lafayette College are residential campuses that focus on a close-knit community for undergraduate students. Union guarantees housing and requires students to live on campus for all four years, which helps build a strong undergraduate community (Union College, 2025). Union students are part of the Minerva House system, a unique aspect of the campus culture. The seven Minerva Houses serve as residential and social centers that include both students and faculty. They organize academic talks, social events, and intramural competitions (Union College, 2025). Every Union student is assigned to a Minerva House, regardless of their residence, fostering an inclusive social structure alongside other affiliations. This system is somewhat unique to Union and promotes interaction across class years and disciplines in a non-fraternity environment, complementing the Greek life scene. Meanwhile, Lafayette College emphasizes a strong residential tradition despite not having an analogous house system. Housing is guaranteed for all four years at Lafayette, and almost all students live on campus for most of their time there (Lafayette College, 2025; Lafayette College, 2024). Lafayette offers a range of residence halls that include traditional dorms for first-years and suite-style or off-campus apartment options for seniors. Many Lafayette students stay on campus through their senior year unless they receive approval to live locally off-campus, which is usually granted to some seniors (Lafayette College, 2024). As a result, both colleges create a vibrant living-learning environment where students build strong relationships with their peers.

Diversity and Student Demographics: Both colleges attract students from across the United States and the globe, fostering a diverse campus culture. Union’s student body, which includes over 2,000 individuals, comes from 40 U.S. states and 50 countries. About 26% of students are domestic students of color, and 11% are international, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion (Union College, 2025). Lafayette’s 2,700 students come from 44 states and 60 countries, showing a similarly diverse makeup (Lafayette College, 2025). Approximately 25% of Lafayette’s U.S. students are students of color, and around 7–10% are international, figures that are comparable to Union’s. Both colleges have active offices or centers for intercultural development and inclusion that support cultural events, dialogue, and assistance for students from all backgrounds (Union College, 2025; Lafayette College, 2025). Students and faculty appreciate the various viewpoints that a diverse community brings to both classroom and campus life.

Greek Life and Social Scene: A key aspect of campus culture at both schools is the presence of Greek letter organizations, though their roles differ slightly. Lafayette has a long-established fraternity and sorority system, with 7 fraternities and 6 sororities currently active on campus, including two historically multicultural chapters (Lafayette College, 2024). About 39% of upperclassmen at Lafayette choose to participate in Greek life, showing that a significant number of students are involved, even though non-Greek students also enjoy strong social options (Lafayette College, 2024). Greek organizations at Lafayette are often viewed as “living-learning communities” that focus on leadership, service, and personal development in addition to their social functions (Lafayette College, 2024). Union College is also known as the “Mother of Fraternities” because it was the birthplace of several early fraternities in the 19th century, and currently hosts 13 Greek organizations (10 fraternities and 3 sororities) (Union College, 2025). However, Union has structured its Greek life differently: formal fraternity/sorority recruitment starts in the sophomore year rather than the freshman year, allowing students to establish themselves socially and academically first (Union College, 2025). Typically, around 25–30% of eligible Union students join fraternities or sororities, a participation rate slightly lower than Lafayette’s. The Minerva House system at Union provides an alternative social option that includes all students, regardless of Greek involvement, which helps broaden the social scene beyond just Greek houses. Both colleges enforce policies that ensure Greek organizations positively contribute to campus life, such as maintaining good academic standing and engaging in service initiatives. In summary, Greek life is an active part of student culture at both schools, offering leadership and networking opportunities while coexisting with many other social communities, including clubs, sports teams, and residential communities that together create an inclusive campus atmosphere.

Traditions and Campus Spirit: Each institution boasts rich traditions that connect students and alumni. Lafayette College is well-known for its spirited rivalry with nearby Lehigh University. The annual Lafayette–Lehigh football game, often referred to as “The Rivalry,” is the most-played college football rivalry in the nation. It is a highlight of school spirit each fall, attracting large crowds and boosting school pride. Campus traditions at Lafayette also include events like Convocation and Commencement on the scenic Quad and various student-run activities such as the annual Spring Concert and Lafayette-Lehigh week celebrations. Union College also prides itself on cherished traditions, some of which date back centuries. Union’s historic campus features the Nott Memorial, a 16-sided architectural landmark central to school identity. Traditions include the annual Jackson’s Garden spring event in the college’s formal gardens and the Steinmetz Symposium, a day in the spring when classes are canceled so students can present research and creative projects, highlighting academic pride (Union College, 2025). Union’s motto, “Under the laws of Minerva, we all become brothers and sisters,” reinforces inclusive traditions like the Honor Code signing and Senior Week events that unite the community. Both colleges celebrate over 150 years of existence, which has resulted in dedicated alumni who return for homecomings and reunion weekends to relive their college experiences. The strong sense of community and tradition fosters a supportive campus culture where students feel connected to something special.


‍Extracurricular Life

‍Outside the classroom, Union and Lafayette offer many opportunities for students to pursue their interests, build leadership skills, and enjoy a well-rounded college experience. 

Clubs and Organizations: Each college has over 100 student clubs that cover academic societies, cultural and identity groups, performance and arts ensembles, media and publications, and special-interest clubs. Union College features more than 130 active student-run clubs and organizations (Union College, 2025). Students can explore everything from debate and coding to ballroom dancing and environmental advocacy. Lafayette has a similarly vibrant club scene, with over 200 recognized organizations (according to student life resources). This includes popular groups like the Lafayette Dance Team, the Outdoors Club, and various cultural affinity clubs. Student government is active at both schools, giving students a voice in campus matters. If students can’t find a club that fits their interests, both colleges make it easy to start new organizations with administrative support and funding.

Arts and Performance: The arts play an essential role in extracurricular life. Lafayette has a lively arts community, offering opportunities in music, theater, visual arts, and writing. The college hosts multiple a cappella groups, a student orchestra, a concert band, theater productions through the Williams Center for the Arts, and a student-run arts society. Union College also promotes artistic expression with student theater productions, music ensembles (including the Union College Choir and Jazz Ensemble), and showcases of student art in campus galleries. Union’s unique three-term calendar allows some arts groups to organize intensive projects during the long winter break, such as theater trips or ensemble tours. Both colleges frequently host arts events like visiting speakers, art exhibitions, and performances that enrich campus life and engage the local community.

Athletics and Recreation: Athletics are important at both institutions, but they differ in competitive level. Lafayette competes in NCAA Division I (Patriot League) for all varsity sports, which is somewhat unusual for a school its size. The Leopards have 23 Division I teams, including football, basketball, soccer, track, and others (Lafayette College, 2025). School spirit is high thanks to Patriot League competition, especially the historic football rivalry with Lehigh. Lafayette’s athletic facilities, including Fisher Stadium and the Kirby Sports Center, support both varsity and recreational sports. In contrast, Union College has a mix of NCAA divisions. Most varsity teams play in Division III (Liberty League), which aligns with many similar liberal arts colleges, but Union’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams compete in Division I (ECAC Hockey) (Union College, 2025). Union’s men’s hockey program gained significant recognition when it won the NCAA Division I national championship in 2014, a point of pride for the community. Overall, Union sponsors 26 varsity teams (24 in D-III Liberty League and hockey in D-I ECAC) (Union College, 2025). Despite the different divisions, student-athletes at both colleges prioritize academics. About one-third of Union students are involved in intercollegiate athletics (Union College, 2025), which shows that many students, especially at the D-III level, have access to athletics. At Lafayette, the smaller number of Division I teams means a slightly lower portion of the student body participates in varsity sports, but many engage as fans and join intramural sports. Both colleges offer extensive intramural and club sports programs to keep all students active. For example, Union has intramural leagues and fitness programs through its athletics department (Union College, 2025), while Lafayette has club sports from rugby to ice hockey, along with informal recreational activities. Quality of life is further enhanced by wellness and outdoor activities. Union’s location in upstate New York allows students to take trips to the nearby Adirondack Mountains for skiing or hiking. Lafayette’s Outdoor Club organizes outings to the Pocono Mountains and other regional parks.

Leadership and Service: Extracurricular life at both schools emphasizes leadership development and community involvement. Both Union and Lafayette have community service centers that coordinate volunteer projects in their local areas. Union students often volunteer in Schenectady, partnering with schools and nonprofits (Union College, 2025). Lafayette’s Landis Center for Community Engagement connects students with service opportunities in Easton and the Lehigh Valley, including tutoring programs and environmental clean-ups. Many student clubs also incorporate service or advocacy components, such as Habitat for Humanity chapters and charity fundraising events. Leadership is nurtured through student government, peer mentoring programs, and leadership institutes. Union’s Minerva Houses offer leadership roles, as each house is student-governed and organizes events, enabling students to take charge of planning and budgeting. Lafayette also encourages students to lead clubs and campus initiatives, with a formal Learning Through Leadership program and honors societies that recognize student leaders. Both colleges are known for producing graduates who were actively involved in campus life, whether as orientation leaders, newspaper editors, or athletic team captains. This reflects the holistic development encouraged outside the classroom.

In summary, extracurricular life at Union College and Lafayette College is rich and diverse, allowing students to balance their studies with personal interests and social activities. Whether a student is drawn to Greek life, the arts, athletics, or community service, both institutions provide support for these passions. This well-rounded campus experience helps students build friendships, learn teamwork and leadership, and fully enjoy their undergraduate years.



‍Location and Environment

‍Geographical Setting: Both colleges are in the Northeastern United States, but their surroundings differ and offer unique advantages. Union College is in Schenectady, New York, a small city in the Capital District region. The campus covers 100 acres in downtown Schenectady, featuring a historic academic quad and the picturesque 8-acre Jackson’s Garden (Union College, 2025). Schenectady, with a population of about 66,000, gives students an urban environment on a manageable scale. There are restaurants, shops, theaters (notably Proctors Theatre for Broadway shows), and local internships, yet the atmosphere remains friendly. Schenectady is part of the greater Albany metropolitan area, so Union students can access the state capital (Albany) and nearby colleges, as well as employers like General Electric, which started in Schenectady, and new tech startups in New York’s “Tech Valley.” Additionally, Union’s location is close to nature. The Adirondack Mountains and Saratoga Springs are just an hour's drive away, which supports an outdoor lifestyle for many students. Larger cities are a few hours away. Union emphasizes that it is easily reachable from New York City, Boston, and Montreal, each about three hours by car or train (Union College, 2025). Therefore, Union students enjoy a blend of a peaceful campus, a small-city vibe, and access to major urban centers for jobs or weekend trips.

Lafayette College is located in Easton, Pennsylvania, a charming town in the Lehigh Valley. Lafayette’s campus sits on a hill overlooking the Delaware River and Easton’s historic downtown (Lafayette College, 2025). The campus covers around 340 acres, including a main academic area and a nearby 230-acre athletic and recreation campus (Lafayette College, 2025). Easton is smaller than Schenectady, with a population of about 30,000, offering a quaint college town atmosphere filled with farmers’ markets, cafes, and antique shops. Students often head into Easton for dining or community service, which helps build strong town-gown relations. The Lehigh Valley region, which includes Allentown and Bethlehem, has about 800,000 residents and offers a suburban environment with shopping malls, concert venues, and industries that provide internship opportunities. One of Lafayette’s geographic advantages is its closeness to major cities: Easton is roughly 70 miles west of New York City and 60 miles north of Philadelphia, making weekend trips or networking visits to these cities quite easy (Lafayette College, 2025). A short drive of 35 miles takes students to the Pocono Mountains, which are known for skiing and outdoor activities (Lafayette College, 2025). Thus, Lafayette students enjoy a great mix of a calm, beautiful campus and quick access to urban cultural spots and nature.

Campus Aesthetics and Facilities: Both campuses are recognized for their beauty and the combination of historic and modern facilities. Union College’s campus was the first planned campus in the United States and is known for its 19th-century architecture, including the iconic Nott Memorial and lush green spaces (Union College, 2025). The campus has recently undergone upgrades, such as the Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, which showcases Union’s focus on STEM within a liberal arts context. Lafayette’s campus is often described as appearing like a postcard, featuring Collegiate Gothic architecture, impressive stone academic halls, and sweeping views of the Delaware River valley. Recently, Lafayette has invested in new buildings, including the Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center, which offers modern amenities similar to those at Union. Both colleges have well-equipped libraries and student centers (Lafayette’s Farinon Center and Union’s Reamer Campus Center), which serve as social hubs. They also provide ample labs and studios supporting academic work. Students at either school can feel the historical legacy around them while also benefiting from modern facilities for research, athletics, and campus life.

Community and Environment Impact: The locations also shape some aspects of campus culture. Union’s presence in a small city means students can engage with urban challenges and community service in Schenectady, like volunteering in local schools or participating in downtown revitalization efforts. The college has embraced its role as an anchor institution in the city, with many students interning at local businesses or government offices. Lafayette, with Easton’s smaller scale, often considers the college itself a central cultural force in town. Students volunteer at Easton’s schools and non-profits, and the college frequently collaborates with the city for events. Both campuses are relatively safe and self-contained, but being within or near town gives students a sense of connection beyond the campus. Students often enjoy changing their scenery off-campus, whether it's visiting a cafe in Easton’s Centre Square or attending a music show in downtown Schenectady. Additionally, the natural surroundings at both locations provide outdoor lovers with a lot to do, from rafting on the Delaware for Lafayette students to hiking in the Adirondacks for Union students. In summary, both locations offer rich extensions of the learning environment—Union’s urban surroundings and Lafayette’s classic college town setting both enhance the student experience in different yet meaningful ways.


‍Return on Investment (ROI)

When students and families think about undergraduate education, they often consider the return on investment, or the long-term value of the degree compared to its cost. Both Union College and Lafayette College show strong ROI, as reflected in career outcomes, alumni earnings, and quality indicators, especially with financial aid that lowers upfront costs for most students.

Alumni Earnings: One important measure of ROI is how much alumni earn. Data from Research.com shows that the median salary for Union College graduates a few years after graduation is about $51,300 per year. In comparison, Lafayette graduates earn a median salary of around $56,400 per year (Research.com, 2026a; Research.com, 2026b). These salaries are significantly higher than the national median for young adults with bachelor’s degrees and highlight the solid preparation students receive. The slightly higher figure for Lafayette may come from its mix of majors and possibly more graduates entering high-paying fields like finance or engineering in the New York/Philadelphia job markets. Union’s figure is still strong and likely to increase substantially as careers develop, especially since Union has many engineering, economics, and pre-med graduates who tend to see rising earnings over time. It's also important to remember that ROI isn't just about initial salary. Both colleges produce many graduates who go on to graduate school, which can temporarily lower their early earnings, or who choose public service and nonprofit work, where the rewards come from making an impact as well as earning a paycheck. However, as liberal arts colleges with engineering programs, both Union and Lafayette provide a solid foundation that translates into competitive earnings.

Long-Term Value: Looking at the long term, a 2025 analysis by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce shows that Lafayette College ranks 36th nationally for the 40-year net present value of a degree, with an estimated ROI of about $3.19 million (Drillinger, 2025). This indicates that the economic return from a Lafayette education is very high, positioning it among the top liberal arts colleges in this metric. While Union College didn’t make the top 50 in this ranking, it has received recognition elsewhere for its excellent ROI. An analysis by PayScale ranked Union in the top 10 liberal arts colleges for ROI, emphasizing the strong earnings of its alumni (Union College, 2011). Additionally, The Princeton Review consistently rates Union highly for ROI, giving it a score of 92 out of 99 in a recent edition, based on factors like graduation rates, tuition, and alumni salaries. All these indicators suggest that both Union and Lafayette provide significant long-term value for their graduates. Alumni from these schools typically advance to respected careers or graduate programs that pay off in the long run, validating the investment in tuition.

Factors Contributing to ROI: Several factors contribute to the positive ROI at these colleges. First, the demanding academics and personalized education result in graduates with strong critical thinking, communication, and technical skills that employers value. Second, the extensive internships and research experiences at Union and Lafayette help many graduates enter the workforce with practical experience and strong professional networks. This often leads to better job placements and quicker paths to leadership. Third, the active alumni networks and career services at both schools assist new graduates in finding job opportunities. Union and Lafayette alumni are usually very loyal and often help mentor or hire recent graduates, creating a cycle of success. Moreover, as discussed in the Financial Aid section, the effective reduction of tuition through aid significantly lowers the actual cost for many students, improving the ROI. A student who receives, for example, $40,000 per year in grants at Union or Lafayette and graduates in four years with minimal debt will see a return on their college investment much sooner than someone who pays full price or accumulates large loans. In Lafayette’s case, the no-loan policy for need-based aid allows graduates to start saving or investing their income earlier instead of repaying debt, boosting personal ROI even further.

Outcomes beyond Income: It's also important to recognize that ROI can be measured in non-monetary ways, where both schools excel. Alumni surveys often show a high level of satisfaction with their education and college experience. For instance, Union alumni report over an 85% career satisfaction rate, which is higher than many other institutions (Union College, 2025). This suggests that Union graduates find their careers meaningful and feel well-prepared, which is an important return on the formative years spent in college. Lafayette alumni similarly express high praise for their undergraduate experience and the opportunities it has opened for them. The benefits of the close-knit community, lifelong friendships, and personal growth that students gain at liberal arts colleges are harder to measure but undeniably part of the “return” that graduates value.

In summary, when it comes to ROI, both Union College and Lafayette College offer strong value. Their graduates achieve impressive economic outcomes and personal fulfillment that justify the cost of attendance, especially with the significant financial aid most students receive. Various publications and studies that rank ROI place both institutions among the top colleges in the nation for value and outcomes. For families and students seeking an education that pays off in career success, personal development, and long-term satisfaction, Union and Lafayette stand out as excellent choices, with Union’s ROI bolstered by its unique programs and alumni network, and Lafayette’s by its high rankings and no-loan financial support model.


‍Conclusion

‍Union College and Lafayette College represent the best of undergraduate liberal arts education, each with its unique appeal. Both schools offer challenging programs, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities in engineering and research that distinguish them from many others. Lafayette stands out with slightly higher rankings and its recognition as a “Hidden Ivy.” It also has a financial aid policy that commits to no loans, highlighting its support for students. Union, on the other hand, features a distinctive trimester system and the enriching Minerva House experience. Its long history of alumni success and fraternity traditions adds to its campus culture of pride and tradition. 

In terms of student success — including retention, graduation, and career outcomes — the two colleges are very similar. They both produce graduates who are well-prepared and satisfied. Lafayette's outcomes are slightly better in some areas, like the four-year graduation rate and early-career salary. However, Union's results are also strong and come with a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, including high participation in research and internships. This prepares students for careers or further studies.

Financially, students at either college can expect significant help to make attending affordable. Union invests heavily in grants and merit awards, while Lafayette guarantees to meet full financial need without loans. This means that both colleges welcome talented students from different economic backgrounds, providing an education that delivers valuable personal and professional returns throughout life. Campus life at Union and Lafayette is lively and diverse. Whether one prefers Division I sports on a beautiful Pennsylvania campus or a historic New York campus with a house system and Division III athletics, including championship hockey, both environments promote community, leadership, and personal growth.

In summary, Union College and Lafayette College have more similarities than differences in offering high-quality undergraduate experiences. A student deciding between the two will benefit from either choice. The decision may hinge on fit: the specifics of location, schedule, particular programs, or campus atmosphere. Union College presents a smaller, closely-knit community with innovative traditions and a rich heritage, which appears to positively impact student engagement and outcomes. Lafayette College provides a balanced collegiate experience, energized by Division I athletics and proximity to major cities, with similar success in academics and student development. Each institution has a positive story to share, and evidence shows that both Union and Lafayette excel in educating the whole student. Acknowledging Union College’s specific strengths, particularly in research opportunities and its alumni network, it is evident that both schools maintain high standards of excellence that lead to outstanding undergraduate education and prepare graduates for fulfilling futures.



Sources:

‍1. Academics & Curriculum
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• Union College Academics Overview
https://www.union.edu/academics
‍Used for: Trimester system, 80% undergraduate research, ABET-accredited engineering, interdisciplinary programs, study abroad (60%), internships (85%).
• Lafayette College Academics Overview
https://www.lafayette.edu/academics/
‍Used for: Semester system, 34 BA fields, 15 BS fields, 5 engineering majors, EXCEL Scholars research program, small class sizes.

2. Admissions & Student Profile
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• Union College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.union.edu/offices/institutional-research/common-data-set
‍Used for: Admit rate (~43%), SAT range (1320–1460), ACT (30–34), student-faculty ratio (9:1), retention (89%), graduation rates.
• Lafayette College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.lafayette.edu/about/institutional-research/common-data-set/
‍Used for: Admit rate (~32%), SAT range (1330–1480), ACT (30–34), retention (92%), 4-year graduation rate (80%), 6-year (88%).

3. Financial Aid & Affordability

• Union College Financial Aid Overview
https://www.union.edu/admissions/financial-aid
‍Used for: $80M in grants, merit scholarships ($10K–$46K), Making U Possible grants, 60% receive need-based aid, avg. aid ~$55K.
• Lafayette College Financial Aid Overview
https://www.lafayette.edu/financial-aid/
‍Used for: 100% need met, no-loan policy, avg. need-based aid ~$55K–$57K, net price ~$30K for aided students, low debt.

4. Career Outcomes & ROI

• Union College Career Outcomes – Class of 2022
https://www.union.edu/career-center/post-grad-outcomes
‍Used for: 92% placement rate, top employers, grad school destinations, alumni satisfaction >85%, median early-career salary ~$51K.
• Lafayette College Career Outcomes – Class of 2024
https://www.lafayette.edu/career-outcomes/
‍Used for: 93% placement rate, avg. starting salary ~$73K, top employers (Google, ExxonMobil, Deloitte), strong grad school placement.
• Georgetown CEW – ROI Rankings (Lafayette #36 nationally)
https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/ROI2025/
‍Used for: 40-year net present value of Lafayette degree ~$3.19M, top-tier ROI among liberal arts colleges.

5. Campus Life & Student Experience

• Union College Student Life Overview
https://www.union.edu/student-life
‍Used for: Minerva Houses, 130+ clubs, Greek life (25–30%), Division I hockey, 4-year housing guarantee, urban Schenectady setting.
• Lafayette College Student Life Overview
https://www.lafayette.edu/student-life/
‍Used for: 200+ clubs, Greek life (39% of upperclassmen), Division I athletics (Patriot League), college-town Easton, PA, outdoor access.

6. Location & Environment
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• Union vs. Lafayette – Niche Campus Life & Location
https://www.niche.com/colleges/union-college-new-york/campus-life/
‍https://www.niche.com/colleges/lafayette-college/campus-life/
‍Used for: Student reviews, safety, aesthetics, access to NYC/Philly/Albany, outdoor activities, town-gown relations.
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